Mobile phone charging at hotels is turning wireless

In recent years the role of technology in the hospitality business has drastically expanded. Keeping up with the latest technology trends is essential for those operating in the hospitality industry, because the industry itself has become extremely competitive. New and exciting innovations are being created and released every day and hotel tech that only a few years ago seemed extremely futuristic, now forms intrinsic part of a hotel, resort or conference centre proposition.
From operations to guest experience and marketing, smart hotel technology offers a variety of cost savings and revenue opportunities and it is enabling hotel owners to reach new levels of profitability. Those who fail to adapt can quickly find themselves left behind by hotels and travel companies that have implemented new approaches and ideas.

MOBILE FIRST

It’s clear that we’re living in a mobile-first world and mobile devices dominate the travel experience.
One of the main challenges (and opportunities) hoteliers are facing in 2019 and beyond is investing in mobile technology and digital marketing initiatives that can enable the best user experience while achieving maximum engagement and RoI.

THE NEED FOR POWER: WIRELESS CHARGING IS THE ANSWER

To satisfy the needs of an always-connected customer, the first problem to solve is to provide the safest and most convenient way to keep mobile devices fully charged.
USB ports are rather fragile when exposed to high usage, they can’t be installed everywhere because of safety regulations, and still require users to bring their own cable. Other solutions like charging lockers or portable battery packs have proven to be very impractical for guests. Lockers force customers to leave their phone behind for the time required to recharge the battery whilst power banks require some management in terms of making sure they are brought back and fully recharged before the next customer wants to use them and are quite heavy to take around.
Qi is the standard for charging mobile devices wirelessly and it is quickly becoming one the hottest trends in the hospitality industry in 2019. Very much like Wi-Fi, it is now a universal standard provided by the majority of mobile manufactures including Apple, Samsung, Huawei, LG, Google, Nokia, Motorola and more (check our compatibility guide to learn which smartphone models offer wireless charging).
In addition, smartphone brands have also started integrating the technology into accessories like the latest Galaxy Watch Active and Galaxy Buds from Samsung or the 2nd generation AirPods from Apple.
Owners of those devices can conveniently place their Qi wireless charging device on top of a charging pad to charge the battery, without the need of plugging a cable or using an adaptor.

AIRCHARGE WIRELESS CHARGING FOR HOTELS

Aircharge is the leader in providing wireless charging solution to the hospitality sector.
With an average monthly usage of over 1,000 interaction per charging spots across a wireless charging network consisting of over 5,000 locations in 55 countries, Aircharge is committed to deliver the highest quality standards for wireless charging in public venues. Our wireless chargers are specifically manufactured with superior grade components for contract use, are water and dust-proof, and include additional features including thermal heating sensor, foreign object detection and internet security, to provide the safest and most convenient charging experience in a hotel, resort or conference centre, 24/7.

With a through-surface, on-surface or sub-surface integration, the Aircharge wireless charging pads can be easily installed in rooms, lounge, lobby, bar, restaurant, meeting and conference rooms, offering an invaluable service to both leisure and business guests.

SMART GUEST EXPERIENCES & DATA COLLECTION

In addition to charging, integration of add-on technologies at point of charge like QR code and NFC, allowing users to receive additional services directly on their mobile phones, including Wi-Fi connectivity, menu ordering and accessing the latest information, offers and promotions.

Via data connectivity, hotels can also have real-time access to utilisation statistics, making it possible to map traffic and dwell-time and monitor space usage.

HOTEL ROOM OF THE FUTURE

As hotel guests become increasingly tech-savvy, they are likely to expect to have the latest technology on hand.
Installing wireless charging points in bedside tables, desks and even in the bathroom (even toothbrushes and trimmers are compatible), means a room completely free from cable clutter where guests don’t have to look for available power sockets, unplugging other appliances, and having to use cables and adaptors.
The luxury chain Peninsula Hotel, for instance, provides Aircharge wireless charging as a standard in the bedside table of each room.

MAKE THE MOST OUT OF YOUR HOTEL LOBBY

The best lobbies/reception areas are those that cater to their guests, providing them not only with the services they need but with the services they want.

Nowadays lobbies are not only a place for passage, but rather a meeting point for family and friends, business meetings and where professional and freelancers can sit and work. Offering Aircharge points can transform the lobby into a thriving space, giving hotel guests and external visitors a reason not only to visit but also to extent the time spend there as well as their bill, with a positive impact on revenue.
Brands like Novotel, Ibis, Hilton and Nordic Choice Hotel are offering Aircharge wireless charging in communal tables and counters in the reception area, achieving an average of over 3,000 interactions per month per site with an average dwell-time above 15min.

INCREASE FOOTFALL & DWELL-TIME AT THE BAR AND RESTAURANT

Attract guests and external visitors to your bar or restaurant by proving Aircharge charging points directly at the counter or dining tables.

The Aircharge app has over 1 million downloads across iOS and Android devices. With your location listed for free on the app, including access to offers and promotions, you’ll increase footfall and generate extra revenue from customers looking for facilities to charge their devices.
Brands including Marriott, Yas Hotel and Premier Inn have Aircharge wireless chargers integrated directly at the bar for customers wanting to charge their phones while having a drink.

BOOST YOUR HOTEL LOYALTY PROGRAM & MARKETING INITIATIVES

Loyalty programs and marketing initiatives are at the core every hotel chain proposition to create brand love and repeated visits from customers.

QR code integration at point of charge allows users to receive additional services directly and push notifications directly on their mobile phones.

Hotels like the Yas Marina in Abu Dhabi, part of the Marriott Group, are successfully utilising this technology to promote downloads of the Marriott Bonvoy™ Rewards app.

MEETING & CONFERENCE CENTRES

With more and more tech-oriented businesses than ever before, meeting rooms and conference centres must provide visitors with the facilities and resources they needed to complete their tasks, including convenient access to power at desks, meeting and conference tables.

HOTELS OFFERING MOBILE PHONE WIRELESS CHARGING

Aircharge works with the biggest brands in the hospitality industry including AccorHotels brands like Novotel and Ibis, Hyatt, Hilton, Marriott, The Peninsula, Aloft, Yas, Nordic Choice and many more.

To find all hotels offering Aircharge wireless charging simply download the Aircharge app.

HTNG MEMBER

Aircharge is a member of Hospitality Tech Next Generation, the trade association dedicated to unite the world's hospitality companies and technology innovators to foster the development and advancement of technology systems and solution within the industry, and more specifically drives the initiatives in the Wireless Power Workgroup to standardise the requirements for mobile phone wireless charging in the sector.

To learn more about Aircharge wireless charging for hospitality, hotels, resorts and conference centres, click here or contact us directly.