InnFocus Fall 2022

Cleaning Robots
Could technology help with your staffing challenges? “With labour
shortages the way they are, we’re looking at ways to augment
our cleaning,” says Sissons. This includes testing a robot vacuum
cleaner that does not require an operator. “If we can take, not
a position away, but a task away that allows us to concentrate
on other areas during staffing, it is something we’re looking at,”
adds Sissons.
Fitness Tech
Fitness equipment has become
a lot more interactive and hightech
in the last two years,
with many guests investing in
home gym equipment, and the
Magnolia has taken note. “We
have an interactive treadmill
and will be getting a Peloton
over the summer,” says Lewis.
Top-end technology in the fitness room helps the Magnolia
deliver a luxury experience. “One of the old-fashioned adages of
the hotel business was you hope to see things nicer than your
own home in a luxury hotel,” says Lewis. “That’s what we strive
for, to give guests a little better experience every time.”
In-Room Technology
Gone are the days where people watch cable. Guests expect
access to Netflix, Amazon Prime, or any other streaming service
they may use at home. Lewis says the Magnolia plans to upgrade
Testing out energy-saving heat
pumps partnered with a userfriendly
climate control pad.
its in-room streaming solutions in the next year, making it easier for
a guest to watch off their own device or use streaming services.
The hotel is also sampling a new interactive phone featuring
wireless charging for devices, a beautiful sleek design, and Bluetooth
speaker.
The Coast Bastion Hotel is in the midst of renovations and tech
improvements are part of it, says General Manager David McQuinn.
This includes testing out energy-saving heat pumps partnered with
a user-friendly climate control pad and noise cancelling technology
in the guest rooms.
The hotel is also taking into account the changing needs of travellers,
like the rise of digital nomads—
people who live in a nomadic
are not going away.”
way while working remotely. The
Coast is implementing WeWork
style zones, so guest don’t have
to work in their rooms. “As the
market evolves, we want to be
ready,” says McQuinn. “The things
that occurred during the pandemic
Stay Current
What’s the best way to stay current on future trends—like cyber
security, artificial intelligence, facial recognition technology, and
even NFTs in hotels? Look to hotels in other cities and countries,
tradeshows and conventions, and industry newsletters and websites.
Lewis also suggests fostering a culture of innovation and having
your team contribute new ideas. “Technology is very important to
consumers going forward,” says Sissons. The time is now to be
adaptive and innovative.
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