Hotels are preparing for the upcoming summer season by enhancing the comfort and convenience they offer guests, with many planning to update their communication systems. The traditional in-room phone, still common in many hotels, is increasingly seen by guests as a basic standard. By adopting a modern and more efficient solution, however, hotels can gain a significant competitive advantage.

Vodia develops customized communication systems that benefit both hotel staff and guests by seamlessly connecting them. Vodia CEO Christian Stredicke, Ph.D. explains how intelligently networked systems, app control, and AI integration can increase efficiency and enhance guest comfort.

Modern Technology Meets Guest Expectations

In high-quality hotels, an in-room phone is considered an essential feature. Yet, with a modern communication solution, hotels can impress guests and differentiate themselves. "Modern technology - particularly smartphones - is now a basic expectation of guests. They use it in their everyday lives, and they want the same experience during their stay," says Dr. Stredicke. Vodia develops customized solutions to tailor communication systems to the needs of hotels. This automates workflows, increasing guest comfort and streamlining operations.

"In recent years, we've noticed many hotels are looking for smart communication solutions when renovating their properties," says Dr. Stredicke. This transition presents several challenges, however. "Decision-makers in the hospitality industry should first define what changes they want to achieve with newer technology." 

VoIP technology is now standard, and AI can be used to automate processes. It's crucial to understand where conversation content is processed, and integrating new systems into existing platforms simplifies the solution for everyone. Dr. Stredicke believes the right use of communication technology, combined with AI, can increase efficiency and improve the guest experience.

Leveraging VoIP for Guest Satisfaction

Many hotels are switching from traditional telephony to VoIP solutions and cloud systems while they renovate their properties. According to Dr. Stredicke, "hotels want to offer their guests modern standards while improving their overall cost-effectiveness.” So what features are available with VoIP? "VoIP systems enable automation of various processes: call forwarding, automated voice messages - even room access control."  

Automating these tasks via VoIP saves time and effort for hotel staff. Transitioning from old systems to modern VoIP phones usually takes just a few days, with new processes quickly becoming the norm. "Conversations are conducted just like on a mobile phone - special codes and wired lines are a thing of the past." The feedback Vodia receives from companies already using modern communication solutions is clear. "Once hotels switch to a VoIP system, management can’t imagine going back."

Innovation and Security

To provide modern solutions to both leisure and business travelers, additional devices in hotel rooms, such as tablets, aren’t always necessary. "Guests are accustomed to interacting with hotel services via apps on their mobile phones," explains Dr. Stredicke. Vodia has integrated this feedback into its solution, an app that can be used on both fixed devices in hotel rooms and on guests' mobile devices: the app allows guests to manage check-ins and check-outs, activate the 'Do Not Disturb' function, control room lighting and curtains, and communicate with hotel staff. "This gives guests more control and comfort. And it makes it so outdated hardware, such as traditional phones, can be replaced in the long term." 

With the growing reliance on digital communication, however, comes increased concern about data security. "That's why it's crucial phone system providers strengthen their encryption protocols and implement robust security measures, to protect sensitive guest data," advises Dr. Stredicke. The Vodia hospitality solution gives hotels robust security for the protection of hotel and guest data and information. 

Integration with Existing Systems for Successful Operations 

Another goal for many hotels is to integrate modern telephone systems into their existing hotel management software. "This is technically challenging at times, but it offers numerous advantages," says Dr. Stredicke. Check-in, check-out, room status updates, and billing can be automated. "This allows housekeeping staff to let the front desk know rooms are clean and ready for guests." 

The use of AI in telephone systems helps automate tasks such as answering common guest queries, managing reservations, and offering personalized services. "AI-powered voice assistants in the rooms provide guests with access to hotel services like spa treatments or table reservations, which gives guests greater control - and greater comfort." 

Dr. Stredicke sees a profitable future for hospitality organizations that integrate VoIP and AI into their communication ecosystems. "To meet the evolving demands of guests, investing in modern communication solutions is essential. Not only do these solutions increase efficiency, they also lay the groundwork for cost savings by eliminating outdated technology."

To find out more about what Vodia’s hospitality communication solutions can do for your organization, get in touch with our front desk, sales@vodia.com, +1 (617) 861-3490.

About Vodia

Vodia Networks, Inc. is a pioneering provider of B2B Cloud Communications Solutions catering to enterprises, contact centers and service providers. Vodia's PBX software boasts an extensive suite of business telephony features for on-premise and cloud-based systems and operates seamlessly across Windows, Linux or Mac platforms. Fully compliant with SIP industry standards, the Vodia phone system integrates effortlessly with a wide range of SIP-based devices and trunking providers, granting ultimate freedom in telephony. Vodia’s multi-tenancy platforms are compatible with an unprecedented number of technologies, including desk phones, softphones and APIs, for myriad third-party software and CRM systems. Our mission is to empower our partners and end-users with the world's best cloud PBX and personalized support to ensure their success at every turn. Our US headquarters are in Boston and our European headquarters are in Berlin; we also maintain offices in Beijing, Hong Kong, Nicosia (Cyprus) and Sydney, Australia. Visit Vodia on LinkedIn, X and YouTube.