IoT devices are fundamentally reshaping how hotels operate and deliver enhanced guest experiences
Hotels around the world are increasingly adopting Internet of Things (IoT) technologies to modernize their security infrastructure and improve operational efficiency. With connected devices playing a growing role in physical security, the hospitality industry is using data-driven platforms to streamline everything from access control to surveillance and room automation.
"IoT devices are fundamentally reshaping how hotels operate and deliver enhanced guest experiences," said Neha Jaitpal, Global General Manager of Hospitality for Honeywell Building Automation.
Speaking to asmag.com, Jaitpal explained that hotels are now integrating a wide array of systems, from electronic door locks and room sensors to smart lighting and surveillance cameras, on a unified platform. This can improve hotel security while supporting staff productivity and guest satisfaction.
"Through an integrated guest management system, hotels can connect security systems, electronic door locks, room sensors, smart lighting systems and other in-room connected devices on a unified platform, unlocking operational and efficiencies," Jaitpal said.
Unified platforms for better oversight
At the center of this shift is the ability to feed data from IoT devices directly into centralized management systems. Honeywell, for example, enables real-time intelligence sharing between sensors and its camera systems. The result is a more efficient response to a range of operational and security-related events.
"Data obtained from IoT devices can be fed into Honeywell’s camera systems to provide real-time intelligence via a unified platform for the staff to take action on everything from security/suspicious activities to dynamic staff allocation," Jaitpal said.
These platforms allow remote configuration and tracking of access rights, so staff permissions can be modified or revoked based on schedules or other factors. This level of access control may be particularly useful in larger hotels with many staff and multiple access zones.
Advanced analytics can also support this oversight. IoT systems equipped with machine learning capabilities may be able to identify unusual patterns, such as unauthorized attempts to access restricted areas, prompting alerts for further investigation.
Cybersecurity as a top priority
With greater reliance on IoT, cybersecurity is becoming a key concern. The hospitality industry, which handles sensitive customer data and financial transactions, may be increasingly exposed to cyber threats.
"Cybersecurity is also growing in importance for the industry. More connected devices mean more risk of a potentially crippling cyberattack or adverse event, so any partner or collaborator hotels work with must offer the most advanced security offerings," Jaitpal said.
For systems integrators, this highlights the need to work with vendors that provide strong cybersecurity protections, including encryption, authentication, and regular updates. Ensuring that all connected components are secure is important for operational resilience.
It is also vital for integrators to educate clients on the importance of network segmentation, strong password policies, and periodic vulnerability assessments to reduce exposure.
Intelligent features improve safety and experience
In addition to security, IoT features can support the overall guest experience. Smart thermostats equipped with motion sensors are one example. When integrated into a hotel’s guest management system, these devices can automate climate and lighting control based on room occupancy.
"Smart thermostats with built-in motion sensors can detect when a room is occupied and, when connected to a guest management system, can automatically adjust the temperature or even the room lighting as guests come and go," Jaitpal explained.
This may improve comfort and also contribute to energy savings, which is a growing priority for many hotels. Some systems also integrate weather data to further optimize energy usage.
"As temperatures rise during the summer, drapes can be closed automatically to maintain comfortable in-room temperatures and help optimize energy consumption," Jaitpal added.
Occupancy-based lighting and climate control not only lower utility costs but also reduce the hotel’s environmental footprint, aligning with sustainability goals that are becoming more important to many hospitality brands.
Personalized access control
Access control is another area where IoT is playing a role, including systems that can differentiate between guests and hotel staff. This level of personalization may enhance both oversight and safety.
"Access controls that can determine the difference between a guest and staff are also worth noting. Personalization is different for an employee who may be in the room briefly for a cleaning compared to a guest who may leave for several hours and then return," Jaitpal said.
Such differentiation can help ensure that room access is monitored and recorded. For security consultants, this suggests continued interest in solutions that can support identity-based access management.
Credentialing based on job role, location, and time of day can add layers of protection and reduce the potential for misuse. In addition, mobile-based credentials using smartphones or wearables are gaining popularity as touchless solutions become more widely adopted.
Asset tracking adds operational efficiency
Another use of IoT in hotels is asset tracking. Whether monitoring the location of luggage carts or food trays, hotels are starting to use dashboards to keep track of mobile equipment.
"Asset tracking is also valuable. Via a dashboard, hotels can monitor where everything from luggage carts to food trays are in real time," Jaitpal said.
This may help reduce loss, speed up service, and support operational efficiency. It can also provide data for audits and resource planning.
With automated tracking in place, hotels can better manage inventory, schedule
maintenance, and minimize disruptions in service delivery. Integrators involved in deploying such systems need to ensure robust wireless coverage and integration with the hotel's property management system (PMS).
Cross-system integration gains traction
One of the defining trends in hotel security today is the increasing integration of different systems into a single interface. From guest check-in to room automation and surveillance, unifying these functions can lead to smoother operations and better situational awareness.
Systems integrators are being called upon to design solutions that link video surveillance, access control, lighting, HVAC, and emergency response tools. This holistic approach allows hotel staff to respond more quickly and effectively to incidents while maintaining high service standards.
Integration also supports predictive maintenance. By analyzing usage patterns and sensor data, facilities teams can identify when systems need servicing before a breakdown occurs.
Implications for systems integrators
For physical security systems integrators and consultants, the expanding role of IoT in hospitality presents new opportunities for solution design and service delivery. Hotels are seeking integrated systems that address both security and operational goals such as energy efficiency and guest satisfaction.
With platforms like Honeywell’s offering a unified environment for surveillance, access control, automation, and asset tracking, integrators may be able to help hotels deploy and manage these technologies while keeping scalability and cybersecurity in mind.
As Jaitpal noted, "Hotels can connect security systems, electronic door locks, room sensors, smart lighting systems and other in-room connected devices on a unified platform." The convergence of these systems means integrators may need to understand not just security, but also HVAC, lighting, and user experience considerations.
It is also important for integrators to align with hotel IT teams to ensure system compatibility, efficient bandwidth management, and seamless software updates. A collaborative approach can help avoid interoperability issues and support long-term performance.
In a market where guest expectations are rising and cost control remains critical, IoT offers a range of tools that hotels can leverage. Systems integrators who are able to connect physical security with building automation may find new areas of value in this evolving sector.
Those who can provide tailored consulting, from initial design through post-deployment optimization, may find themselves increasingly in demand as more hospitality clients seek end-to-end solutions that balance innovation, security, and sustainability.