In the modern era, hotels face several challenges that are unique to the hospitality industry. Experienced hoteliers understand that providing a pleasant guest experience is paramount and that all hotel environments should provide a warm and welcoming place that offers a luxurious experience while also ensuring the security and safety of their guests. As a result, installing a hotel access control system is a critical implementation.
When running a hotel business, hotel access control is crucial to ensure that not only guests are secure but that their belongings are secure, too. Furthermore, hotels also have personal and private information that must also be protected at all times.
Because dealing with new clients on a daily basis requires a flexible hotel door access control system, security has always played an important role in the hospitality industry.
Below, we’ll discuss the importance of hotels providing a safe environment for staff and guests, how advancements in technology play a pivotal role in the hotel business, and how hotel access control systems can help with ensuring the most secure environment possible.
Hotel Industry: Security and Customer Service
Security and customer service can be difficult to balance in hotels. On the other hand, all guests should feel safe while staying at a hotel. However, hotel security should not be so overbearing that a guest’s stay feels uncomfortable. Luckily, there are proactive steps that can be taken that are not only effective but affordable.
Integrating access control is a great way to ensure guests feel safe and secure while still fully enjoying the amenities and surroundings and still receiving the best customer service possible.
While no hotelier or guest wants to think about the vulnerability of staying in foreign destinations, the reality is that the threat exists. The premium service that access control provides upholds not only guest safety but also prioritizes the customer's satisfaction.
Establish a Safe Environment Among Staff
The best hotel security begins when a guest enters the hotel. From the first greeting, whether from a security officer, a valet attendant, or employees at the front desk, guests should always feel like they are in a safe environment.
Employees should be trained to engage guests in conversation, inquire about their stay and see if there is anything you can do to assist them. Additionally, hotel employees should also inform guests about the hotel systems in place to ensure every guest feels at ease during their stay.
Develop Protocols and Policies
We live in a time when nothing can be taken for granted, for better or worse. As a result, hotels must develop policies and protocols that outline how all members of the hotel staff will handle basic requests from guests.
For example, how the valet asks for identification, how a hotel employee requests a hotel room card, or how a guest requests his or her vehicle are factors to consider. Furthermore, this training should also cover how guests request and receive replacement access cards and the type of identification required during their stay.
Limit to Where Guests Can Go After a Certain Time
Late-night hours require hotel managers to pay extra attention to the security risks of their hotel property. As such, hotels should limit where guests can go after a certain time such as the pool area or the gym,, in addition to having security personnel at all hotel access points.
With access control, hoteliers can restrict access to the premises after specific hours as an additional safety precaution and service measure. This regulation could take the form of hotel locks that lock after a certain hour, security personnel at access points, or monitoring of all public areas and common areas.
Build Partnerships
Creating a strong working relationship with local authorities and law enforcement can go a long way toward making guests feel safe and secure. Local law enforcement should be aware of your hotel's location, floor plan, any upcoming events, and your commitment to effective security.
To that end, your hotel and security teams should collaborate with local law enforcement to create an emergency response team and plan, which should be reviewed on an annual basis. Furthermore, background screenings should also be considered.
Stay Ahead with Innovations and Technology
Lastly, technology will continue to play an important role in ensuring security. As a result, it’s critical that hotels stay ahead of technological advancements and implement unobtrusive technological measures that provide effective security while causing the least amount of inconvenience.
Security Innovations with Minimal Inconvenience
Through comprehensive assessment and the incorporation of new technologies such as access control, any hotel can maintain and increase security for all guests.
Here are several critical security implementations that every hotel should implement or review to provide excellent customer service while also protecting guests and employees:
Video Surveillance
Today's security systems are both discreet and effective, allowing you to not only catch illegal activity that may elude security guards but also act as a deterrent. Hotel security cameras that are strategically placed throughout the property serve as the first line of defense.
When combined with analytics software, staff can be notified when the software detects pre-defined and evolving threats that employees may overlook. Furthermore, thorough video surveillance aids in monitoring employee guest rooms and possibly protecting your property from legal liability due to unforeseen events.
Access Control
While traditional hotel room keys are easily misplaced, allowing the potential for theft or break-ins, access control can be activated and deactivated as needed using electronic locks. Furthermore, this technology prevents criminals from copying keys for later use after they have checked out of their guest room.
Protect your visitors and employees by implementing a dedicated access control system that ensures only authorized personnel has access to authorized areas.
Ensure The Safety of Your Guests with Access Control Systems
Maintaining good security while expanding your hotel's operations can be difficult, but it is possible with an effective hotel access control system. Using hotel access control systems can not only help you identify what is currently working for you and which problems may require new access control solutions to support your growth.
We want to help you keep your hotel safe. With over 30 years of experience, we specialize in providing high-quality access control systems that meet the security needs of each of our customers.
To learn more about our hotel door access control systems and how they can benefit your hotel, speak with our representatives, contact us at 800-675-3015 at Action 1st Loss Prevention today!
