Digital technologies are taking over the hospitality industry worldwide. Hotels now implement smart solutions that increase customer satisfaction and staff efficiency.
Such solutions include contactless payments, robots, mobile check-ins, cyber security, AI and VR, voice search and control and remote controls for hotels .
What Happened to Traditional Remote Controls?
Contents
Why can’t you just use the traditional remote control, you ask? As functional as it is, many studies show that it might not be the best solution for hotels where many people use and touch the remote controls.
They Are Dirty and Hard to Clean
Studies show that remote controls in hotel rooms are one of the dirtiest items you can find. The main reason is that everybody touches them, yet they are most challenging to clean simultaneously.
The buttons make it difficult to sanitize the remote control because the spaces between them are not large enough to clean properly. In addition, strong cleaning products may damage the remote and cause dysfunction.
They Present Health Hazards
Increased bacteria levels present health hazards for people who use the remote controls. They are especially dangerous for people with weak immune systems or preceding health issues and children who have not yet developed proper hygiene habits.
Smartphones as Remote Controls
Did you know that you can use your smartphone as a remote control in some hotels? Yes, there are mobile phone apps and other ways that provide hotel guests with the opportunity to have their own remote control.
Mobile Apps
Typically, these apps have multiple functions – from controlling the TV channels, playing music, checking in or out, payments, lighting, room temperature and more. Smartphone remote controls are a fantastic way to personalize guest experiences and give them complete control over their surroundings.
As a guest, you can use the app on your phone to change channels, play radio, switch music, choose from a TV guide or play your favorite movies and shows via streaming services. This way, you own your remote control that nobody else will use.
Of course, hotels should not require their guests to download an app to have all these functions at their disposal. Other devices on the market allow the same functionality, and some are even better.
QR Codes
Another solution that connects your smartphone with the hotel TV is QR code implementation. QR codes (or quick response codes) can be shown on the TV upon turning it on. You can scan them with your smartphone without downloading an app or even connecting to the Internet.
You can still get all the remote control functions you might need. The QR code will redirect you to a portal that allows you to check the TV guide, change channels, play music and select movies and TV shows you prefer to watch.
Other Remote Control Alternatives
Smartphone apps are a great alternative to remote controls, but what if some people do not wish to download an app for that? Some guests prefer the traditional remote controls with more functionality and increased safety.
There are other alternatives. For example, there are antibacterial remote controls for hotels that are easy to sanitize, and everybody can use them without worrying about poor hygiene. They use ‘touchscreen’ technology without buttons, making them easy to wipe down and clean.
This type of remote control answers to all hygiene standards in the hospitality industry, reducing bacteria and viruses on the surface. These remote controls are not only clean but also very smart. You can point them towards any room direction, and they will still recognize your command. Some integrate gyro and air-mouse functionalities, making them extremely easy to use.
On top of all, you can still change TV channels, stream TV shows, movies and music and enjoy a personalized atmosphere in the comfort of your hotel room.