To go old-school or to adopt contemporary method of operating any business in hospitality is something many Hoteliers ask themselves. Though the traditional techniques are time tested and have tangible proven results, the spikes in technological growth have made many contemporary facilities imperative.

Some people do prefer hotels where their check-ins are logged in actual book or even have an actual key to their room rather than a key card. Most of these classical styles are implemented to be cost effective, saving money on installation of electronic systems, but it does generate satisfaction and reputation among vacationing customers who wish to get away from gadget infested life. Though with all the technological invasion, sometimes the customers expect to be connected no matter where they are, thus requiring amenities like seamless Wi-Fi, smart TVs, online booking facility to name a few.

Bringing the best of two worlds together

Both styles have unique features, one stirs nostalgia and the other manages to keep your customers connected to global village. Though both have their own pros and cons, a unique blend of both can work wonders. The contemporary styling in technological aspects can serve to accentuate the traditional experience, the combination of architecture along with the way staff interact with customers contribute to that experience.

Pick and choose as per your needs

You don’t really need to go all out, when it comes to creating a balance in the classical and the contemporary. It is a wise decision to hand pick facilities from both sides to best represent your hotel to the customer.

Few modern upgrades that most old-school hotels can benefit from are:

Smart cards

These smart pieces of palm sized plastic have slowly taken over the era of the weighted metal key; and there is a reason for it becoming so popular so quickly. The versatility of these cards allows it to be far more than keys to your room. It can also be used as a means of making payments or keeping track of expenses that can be cleared during checkout.

Technology friendly rooms

Features like Wi-Fi, smart TVs and stereos are slowly being expected as staple with the rising influence of technology in this modern age. There was a time when people used to get away from electronic gadgets in their vacation but the modern generation prefers being connected all the time.

Online booking services

It is the nature of hospitality sector to keep looking for new clients as means to survive, because maintaining relation with a set of customers and relying on only repeat visit is impractical. So most hotel target getting newer customers by letting them have online booking service; which could be either hosted by the hotel website itself or by advertising through websites like OYO rooms, Trivago, Yatra and others. These websites generate lot of traffic and ultimately boost your annual revenue earned.

Cloud based property management system

Property Management System (PMS) is a smart system that integrates many of the above mentioned service into a “Web of Things”, i.e. cloud connected information sharing setups, which can be accessed by different staff members. Alternatively, it can also be used for internal communication with customers, or to coordinate housekeeping services and even analyse customer data for improvements.

How necessary is it to change?

As much as people argue over the setting up cost of such system, one will have to agree that it is a one-time investment that will generate better revenue. These services ensure the fewer rooms are left un-booked. The extra earnings could be reinvested to improve service or decor to groom the overall character of the hotel. All in all it is wise to integrate modern systems that complement the character of your hotel.