What does the network say about your hotel?

One infrastructure for guest experience and operations

The guest is not even three steps inside or they are already searching for the Wi-Fi network. What was once a luxury is now first need. No connection? Then the guest soon feels disconnected. The internet has thus become an integral part of the guest experience - perhaps as decisive as the service at the front desk, the comfort of the bed or the state of the bathroom.

Yet the network remains mostly invisible. And that is precisely where it falters for many hotels. Because behind 'being connected' lies an increasingly complex system: reservation software, digital room access, smart sensors, entertainment services, climate control - everything runs on the same infrastructure. If it falters, it directly affects both the operation and the guest's experience.

Where many hotels are still working with outdated networks or half-hearted extensions, a different picture is emerging elsewhere: scalable, manageable networks that move with the occupancy and needs of guests and staff alike.

From cost centre to strategic foundation

A good network has long since ceased to be an ICT expense; it is a strategic part of your operations. Systems that intelligently distribute bandwidth based on guest profile or room segment not only help ensure a smooth user experience, but also strengthen loyalty. For example, loyal guests automatically get access to faster internet or premium services, without the need for reception to intervene.

For the organisation itself, centralisation also provides benefits. Modern gateways can be linked to PMS systems or loyalty software, allowing management and monitoring via a single dashboard. Less manual work, fewer errors, more control.

Future requires robust infrastructure

The hotel room is changing. Guests no longer come with just a phone and laptop, but also want to connect their smartwatch, tablet or streaming service directly. At the same time, we see a rise of Internet-of-Things applications in housekeeping, building management and guest interaction.

So the question is not whether your network should grow with you, but whether it can. Those currently working with fragmented systems or Wi-Fi extenders will soon run into limits. Investing in a scalable network - preferably with support for PoE and modularly expandable components - ensures that technology moves with your ambitions, instead of limiting them.

The onboarding as a business card

The way guests access the network is often their first digital contact moment with the hotel. So no universal login page or messy login procedure, but a portal in the guest's own house style, tailored to language and preferences. These are small details, but they make all the difference.

For regular guests, there are systems that enable automatic, secure reconnection. Consider technology where, after an initial login, a guest always has immediate access to the network upon return, without having to log in again. This not only saves frustration, but also increases security - an aspect that is still too often underexposed.

Digital infrastructure as a service platform

The real value of a modern network is in what it enables: from personalised service to more efficient operations and new revenue models. Think upselling via the Wi-Fi portal, smart energy control based on occupancy, or direct linking with loyalty programmes. Connectivity thus touches on much more than technology. It says something about how you as a hotel look at service, comfort and future-proofing. That is precisely why it is essential to discuss this topic at board level - not only when complaints come in, but as part of your long-term strategy.

Smart network management via Vingcard

Vingcard offers a full suite of solutions tailored to hospitality, including electronic locks, cloud-based software, network management and more. Think stable Wi-Fi, automatic bandwidth distribution and secure access for returning guests - all managed centrally through one clear dashboard.

The systems link to existing hotel software and easily grow with the hotel's occupancy and digital requirements. Whether it is basic connectivity or support for smart devices, the network is ready.

For those who want to spend less time on failures or loose systems, but still want a future-proof infrastructure, this approach offers peace of mind and an overview.