Enhancing resort and hotel wifi: Catering to remote work and leisure
Guests increasingly expect seamless connectivity that supports both work and leisure activities
With the ever-changing operating environment of accommodation, the importance of wifi infrastructure cannot be overstated.
As resort and hotel managers, your guests increasingly expect seamless connectivity that supports both work and leisure activities. Whether they are travelling for business, enjoying a family holiday, or blending work with pleasure, the quality of your wifi service can significantly impact their overall experience and satisfaction.
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Recent global events have accelerated the trend of remote work, transforming traditional vacation models. Guests are seeking destinations where they can unwind while maintaining productivity and connectivity. Even if it is just a quick check of emails or having the ability to use wifi calling when telecommunications towers are saturated during busy times, the peace of mind knowing that they can be contacted if required, can be very reassuring to your guests and can actually make them relax more.
Reliable wifi needs to extend beyond guest rooms to common areas, meeting spaces, and outdoor facilities. Seamless connectivity allows guests to conduct virtual meetings, attend conferences, or simply stay connected with work or loved ones, regardless of their physical location. As much as guests want to ‘switch off’ as they are on holiday, it is not always the case with the average holidaymaker these days. Personally, I relax more when I know I can be reached.
Key considerations for resort and hotel wifi
Speed and efficiency: Guests expect wifi speeds that rival those of their homes and workplaces. High-definition video conferencing, streaming, and large file downloads should be effortlessly supported. Investing in high-speed internet infrastructure ensures that multiple devices can connect simultaneously without compromising performance.
Fibre prices are starting to fall, and fibre upgrades to NBN connections are becoming available in more regional areas, at reasonable prices. Put your address into an Internet Service Providers website and see if this applies to your complex. Satellite internet may also be an option if you are in more remote areas.
Coverage across the property: From poolside lounges to conference rooms and dining areas, coverage is non-negotiable. Conducting thorough site surveys and deploying strategically placed access points can optimise coverage and minimise black spots.
Secure networks in rooms/units: To allow for networking within a room or unit, an SSID (A secure network for each room or unit) is important. Guests can network within the unit or room and bring their own printers and smart assistants and connect them easily. Secure casting can also be facilitated if necessary.
Scalability and future-readiness: Anticipate future demands and technological advancements. Scalable wifi infrastructure allows for easy expansion and upgrades as guest expectations evolve. Your wifi provider should be advising you of the next evolution of your wifi network if and when required.
Investing in fast, efficient and secure wifi infrastructure is no longer a luxury but a necessity for resort and hotel managers aiming to meet the evolving needs of their guests. By prioritising seamless connectivity across all areas of your property, you enhance guest satisfaction, attract a broader clientele, and differentiate your establishment in a competitive market. Embrace technological advancements and tailor your wifi services to accommodate both remote work and leisure activities. By doing so, you position your resort or hotel as a preferred destination for travellers seeking a productive and enjoyable experience, whether they are working alone or holidaying with their families.
As a business owner who relies on the internet and wifi 24/7 to run our business, the reliability of wifi is the make or break to whether we return to a hotel or resort.
Make your hotel or resort the place guests will come back to.
Director Judy Senn launched Time Out Internet in September 2011. She has over twenty years of IT reseller, hardware and software distribution, sales and business development experience.