The evolution of Hotels.
The new definition of luxury..
"Smart" rooms, "clean" technologies, amenities that adapt to the customer.
The need for hotels to offer a unique accommodation experience to their customers has raised the bar in offering hotel equipment products and services, both in terms of quality and innovation, following global trends in hospitality and catering. The era when the mini bar was considered a luxury has passed irrevocably. The floor is now the "smart" hotel room, equipped with high-tech entertainment systems, air conditioning, security and energy saving. From mass-produced beds we have switched to specialized sleeping systems (hypoallergenic and ventilated mattresses, made of natural materials, etc.), with the possibility of even individual pillow selection through a wide range offered. The water heater has been replaced by high-tech central hot water production and air conditioning systems, with emphasis on energy saving and environmental protection, while "international cuisine" buffets have now given way to personalized and special (eg for allergic ) menus, themed restaurants, local delicacies and healthy eating.
It is no coincidence that most developments in the field of architecture and decoration are first reflected in hotel design and then diffuse into widespread consumption. "Every innovation that is integrated in a hotel has as a final result the strengthening of the brand of the unit", said among others Ioannis Mantas, Director of Corporate Solutions of LG Electronics Hellas, during his speech at the 16th SETE Conference, which took place at the beginning of last week. Giving the stigma of hotel equipment trends, he stressed that, in terms of entertainment and air conditioning, priority should be given to utilizing the available budget to maximize efficiency, reduce energy costs, and customized solutions for individual needs of each accommodation and the environmentally friendly applications.
The main trends in hotel equipment can be summarized in four categories:
SAFETY AND HYGIENE: A necessary condition in the choice of supplies and equipment of a hotel is to ensure the personal health and safety of the customer. Otherwise, the image of the hotel may be severely damaged. In addition to the careful and systematic cleaning of all areas of the hotel, it is important to choose the right materials and appliances, both inside the room and common areas and in the food departments (restaurants, bars, cafes). After all, safety and hygiene certifications are now a prerequisite for the operation of a hotel
SUSTAINABILITY: The international trend to reduce gas emissions requires hotels to apply sustainable practices, which is reflected in the full range of hotel equipment products. 2017 has been designated by the World Tourism Organization as a year of Sustainability in Tourism, clearly demonstrating the priorities to be set by the hospitality industry.
Όπως τόνισε στο 16ο Συνέδριο του ΣΕΤΕ η Aurora Dawn Reinke, ιδρύτρια και διευθύνουσα σύμβουλος της Astrapto, εταιρείας παροχής υπηρεσιών αειφορίας και εταιρικής υπευθυνότητας στον τουριστικό κλάδο, σημείο αφετηρίας για όλους τους ξενοδόχους είναι η εκπαίδευση του προσωπικού τους. Δική τους ευθύνη είναι επίσης η διερεύνηση των λύσεων που προσφέρει η αγορά, ενώ σημαντικό εργαλείο στα χέρια τους μπορούν να αποτελέσουν οι εκπαιδευτικές δράσεις και συνέργειες που αναπτύσσουν οι περιβαλλοντικές οργανώσεις.
TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION: The future of accommodation is the "smart hotel". Hotel rooms, reservations, consumption of goods and services within the accommodation will be characterized by technological innovations, which will ultimately make the stay of the visitor more comfortable. Thus, Integrated Room Automation Systems (IRAS) result in both energy savings and better organization and management of room functions. Food cooking and cooling systems that offer energy savings, man-hours and food waste reduction, "smart" booking systems (which provide data for statistical analysis) and heat protection, waterproofing and cleaning products designed as NanoPhos, nanophos.com), are just a few more examples of what technology can offer in the field of hosting.
HIGH AESTHETICS: Each season has its own aesthetics and hotels must incorporate it immediately, as this is a key element of their "personality". Customers instinctively associate design with their perception of what a hotel really is, if it suits them and if it expresses their lifestyle. The architectural design of claims is no longer an exclusive feature of boutique hotels. Whether it is a luxury unit or a small to medium-sized one, travelers expect to feel comfortable in it when choosing it for their stay. In addition, the concept of high aesthetics, in addition to the spaces, furniture and decoration of a hotel, extends to everything in it - from towels and sheets to coffee cups and toiletries in the bathroom.
Source: H Kathimerini