Most hotel owners think AI is on the horizon however it’s already here: From voice tech to predictive maintenance, today’s hotels are running on systems that didn’t exist a decade ago.

When guests call our hotels, they expect to speak with someone. In reality, many properties make this process more complicated than it needs to be. Chatbots can provide this option more effectively than a recorded message.

Suppose the chatbot can’t solve the request. In that case, whether it’s a medical emergency, a lost wedding ring, or another urgent need — it will still often outperform an employee in speed, accuracy, and availability.

The Reality: AI is Already in Hotels

This is not a vision of the future — these tools are already in use at top-performing properties.

According to Canary Technologies, 73% of hoteliers believe that AI will have a significant or transformative impact on the hospitality industry. 61% say AI is already impacting the industry or expects it to do so within the following year.

Top Hotel Technology Trends in 2026

1. Voice Tech and Chatbots

• What it is: Automated systems that handle basic guest questions, reservations, and service requests 24/7.
• Why it matters: Reduces wait times, cuts labor costs, and delivers consistent information.
• Operator insight: The better your website’s information, the better your chatbot’s performance. Staff often forget details like restaurant hours, attraction distances, or activities — AI doesn’t.

2. Facial Recognition Check-In

• What it is: A biometric solution that verifies identity in seconds.
• Why it matters: Speeds up arrivals, reduces lobby congestion, and improves security.
• Industry note: While not yet widespread in hotels, it has already proven effective in airports and border security.

3. Smart Room Technology

Smart Room Technology enables guests to control lights, temperature, curtains, and entertainment using voice commands or a mobile device. It is well-received in hotels where it has been tested.

• In North America, 72% of guests reported their room had a smart TV in 2023, up from 39% in 2019 (CoStar).
• Globally, around 47% of hotels have implemented some form of smart room technology (ZipDo estimate).
• Over 53% of travelers prefer contactless solutions like digital keys and mobile check-in (HyScaler).
• In select markets, more than 60% of hotels now integrate voice-activated devices like Alexa or Google Assistant (HyScaler).

4. Digital Check-In, Smart Energy, and Real-Time Analytics

According to Reanin’s Global Smart Hospitality Market report:

• 63%+ of hotels have implemented digital check-in, mobile keys, or smart kiosks — speeding up arrivals and reducing front desk bottlenecks.
• Over 51% of properties now utilize innovative energy management systems, which optimize HVAC and lighting for cost savings and sustainability.
• Nearly 47% leverage real-time analytics to make faster, data-driven decisions on staffing, pricing, and service delivery.

These tools do more than impress guests — they cut operating costs, improve efficiency, and free up staff to focus on higher-value interactions.

5. Cloud-Based Property Management Systems (PMS)

Cloud-based PMS enables front desk, housekeeping, and management to stay connected in real-time across devices.

AI-Powered Revenue Management Tools:

• Revenue Management Systems (RMS): Automatically adjust pricing based on demand, events, and competitor behavior.
• High-Value Guest Identification: Flag VIPs before they arrive using behavioral and booking data.
  Virtual Assistants: Assist guests in navigating amenities, ordering room service, or making requests instantly.

6. Predictive Maintenance Tools

• What it is: AI systems that monitor equipment and flag problems before they cause outages.
• Benefit: Reduces costly emergency repairs and minimizes guest disruptions.

7. Fraud Detection Software

• What it is: Monitors payments and bookings for suspicious activity in real time.
• Why it matters: Protects revenue and guest trust.
• Reality check: An all-in-one AI package can be expensive, but identifying your most critical needs will maximize ROI.

Why Does This Matter?

An AI-powered RMS doesn’t just save time — it can increase RevPAR by 10–15% through smarter rate decisions. Integrating even a few of these hotel technology trends can dramatically improve margins, guest satisfaction, and team efficiency.

Robert Rauch, CHA, has been an owner-operator of hotels for several decades and is founding chairman of Brick Hospitality and owner of R. A. Rauch & Associates, Inc. He sits on the Leadership Council of Arizona State University where he has taught Hospitality Entrepreneurship for 12 years and is Founding Sponsor of Women in Tourism & Hospitality (WITH) in San Diego.

www.hotelguru.com