Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Lifestyle
Ted Thornhill

Hotels ditch robots for human touch as guests struggle with tech

  • Many hotels now offer verbal tech walkthroughs at check-in to help guests navigate increasingly sophisticated room technology.
  • A Hotels.com survey found that 52 per cent of hotels now provide these explanations, as guests struggle with advanced features like smart lighting, Wi-Fi, and entertainment systems.
  • Despite technological advancements, 70% of hotels reported that guests prefer human interaction, particularly during check-in and for support.
  • Hotels are under pressure to upgrade technology, with 56 per cent focusing on 'comfort tech' such as smart TVs, Bluetooth speakers, and advanced bathroom features like digital water controls.
  • While some hotels experiment with robots and AI concierges, others have removed automated features, finding that warm, personalised human service is preferred by guests.

IN FULL

Smart hotel rooms leave guests struggling to turn the lights on (and off)

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.