What’s Hot In Hotels 2025: No 6

Mark Muir • 2 June 2025

The Future of Hospitality: How Advanced Technology is Transforming Hotels

The hospitality landscape is undergoing a thrilling transformation as advanced technology integration takes centre stage. In 2025, smart room controls and contactless services are not just luxuries - they’re becoming the norm. Here’s how these innovations are reshaping the guest experience and boosting operational efficiency, with examples of excellence leading the way.

🌟
Smarter Rooms, Happier Guests


Picture this: you arrive at your hotel after a long flight. Instead of fumbling with keys and light switches, you’re greeted by a smart room—where everything is tailored to you.
Smart thermostats adjust the temperature to your preferences. Lighting scenes can be set for relaxation, work, or romance, all controlled by your voice or smartphone. Even the minibar can alert housekeeping when it’s time for a top-up!


🏨 Example of Excellence:
At The Peninsula Hotels, guests use in-room tablets to control everything—from room temperature to ordering a pillow of choice. In Paris, Le Royal Monceau offers voice-activated room features in multiple languages, ensuring international guests feel at home.

🌟
Contactless Convenience


COVID-19 accelerated the demand for contactless solutions, but in 2025, this isn’t just about hygiene—it’s about effortless convenience. From mobile check-in and digital keys to in-room dining ordered via apps, guests enjoy seamless interactions with minimal waiting.
Imagine unlocking your room with your phone or checking out with a tap, skipping the front desk entirely.


🏨 Example of Excellence:
Marriott’s Bonvoy App lets guests check in, unlock doors, and even request extra towels—no more waiting in line! Similarly, citizenM Hotels have streamlined in-app services, offering everything from room controls to curated city guides.

🌟
Boosting Hotel Efficiency


Smart technology isn’t just about guest perks—it’s a win for hotel operations too. Automated systems cut down on energy waste (goodbye, lights left on!) and optimise housekeeping schedules based on real-time occupancy data.
IoT sensors track room usage and environmental conditions, helping hotels reduce costs and embrace sustainability.


🏨 Example of Excellence:
At 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge, integrated smart systems adjust energy use in real-time, aligning luxury with eco-conscious operations.

🌟
A Personal Touch, Powered by Tech


Far from replacing the human touch, these innovations enhance personalisation. They free up staff to focus on delivering warm, authentic service—like a perfectly tailored greeting or a custom local recommendation.
Smart technology empowers hotels to understand guest preferences and anticipate needs—turning every stay into a uniquely memorable experience.

The Future is Here


In 2025, advanced technology integration isn’t about gadgets—it’s about crafting seamless, personalised experiences and streamlining operations for better performance and sustainability.


Hotels embracing these innovations are not only delighting guests—they’re staying ahead of the curve in an ever-competitive industry.

💬
What smart hotel features have you experienced or are you most excited about?




"I'm always open to discussing innovative ideas and how technology enhances the guest experience. Feel free to message me if you're working on something exciting!” Mark

.

by Mark Muir 8 September 2025
Experiential and Immersive Stays: Hotels as Destinations in Themselves The hospitality industry is undergoing a profound transformation. No longer are hotels seen simply as a place to sleep while visiting a destination — they are becoming destinations in their own right. At the forefront of this shift is the rise of experiential and immersive stays , where guests are offered not just accommodation, but curated journeys that blend storytelling, culture, design, and emotion. Beyond the Room: The Rise of Experiential Hospitality Modern travellers are seeking more than comfort and convenience. They want to feel something — to be transported, surprised, and inspired. Hotels that embrace experiential design cater to this demand by creating environments that immerse guests in a narrative or theme. Whether it’s a rainforest-inspired wellness retreat, a heritage hotel that brings history to life, or a futuristic pod hotel infused with digital art, the stay itself becomes a memorable part of the travel story.
by Mark Muir 25 August 2025
Advancements in Clean Energy Technologies
by Mark Muir 17 August 2025
From ant colonies to rainforests — nature solved design long ago !
by Mark Muir 3 August 2025
The Power of Natural Light
by Mark Muir 28 July 2025
Focus on Climate-Resilient Communities
by Mark Muir 28 July 2025
Flexible Spaces for Modern Living
by Mark Muir 21 July 2025
Advanced Technology Integration: Smarter Rooms, Seamless Service 
by Mark Muir 20 June 2025
The Robots Are Watching: How AI is Revolutionising ESG Compliance in Architecture (But Not in a Creepy Way)
A pug dog is digging in the sand on the beach.
by Mark Muir 17 June 2025
Fun Facts 1
by Mark Muir 12 June 2025
Why Architects Are Turning to Trees, Termites & Ecosystems for Inspiration