A bad WiFi can ruin a guest's overall experience. Here's how hotels can avoid it

Hotels are always known to treat guests as though they are the most important person in the world. Every need is anticipated, and every request is accommodated as quickly and seamlessly as possible from the moment they book their stay. Whether it's arranging a ride from the airport or delivering fresh towels to the room, nothing is too much trouble for dedicated hotel staff. By providing reliable, fast services, hotel guests can relax and enjoy their stay without unnecessary stress.

However, hotels tend to get a bad rap for unreliable internet connections. While most hotels offer complimentary WiFi service to guests, it's often not up to par with what people are used to having in their own homes. This is because hotels typically neglect their WiFi networks and don't invest in upgrading them as frequently as they should. Unfortunately, hotels tend to ignore connectivity services favouring more lucrative features such as minibars and room service. This deficiency can often lead to frustration for guests trying to get work done or stay in touch with family and friends. After all, guests expect to be able to stay connected while they're on business or vacation.

In a nutshell, if your hotel's WiFi isn't up to par, it can instantly ruin a guest's overall experience. So what can be done to avoid this?

The negative effects of a bad WiFi connection for hotels

There are a few adverse effects of a bad WiFi connection for hotels. If a guest is travelling for business and can't conduct online meetings or send a simple email, it can ruin their productivity and business dealings. If a guest is staying for leisure, they can't share their experience with friends and family if they can't get online. Without a strong and reliable WiFi connection, guests will be less likely to recommend your hotel to others, leading to fewer bookings in the future. Further, a poor WiFi connection can be frustrating for long-staying guests and may cause them to leave your hotel earlier than planned.

Factors that can affect your hotel's WiFi signal strength

One of the most significant factors is the size of the space. A large area, such as a ballroom or auditorium, will have a much weaker WiFi signal than a small room. Another factor is the multi-level structure of the building. If the hotel is built with multiple floors, each floor will have its weak spot for a WiFi signal. In addition, the walls dividing each room can also weaken the signal by blocking it from passing through.

How to identify and solve common WiFi issues in your hotel

One common WiFi issue in a hotel is the appearance of dead spots in the coverage area. To test for and solve this problem, start by walking around the room to identify areas where the signal is weak or nonexistent. Next, try moving your device to different positions in those areas to see if the movement improves. Another common issue is poor streaming quality—assess and check how many devices are connected to the network and whether they're all hogging bandwidth. If so, try disconnecting some of them or switching to a different channel on your router. If these simple tests and troubleshooting still can't resolve your connectivity issues, you may need to upgrade your network infrastructure.

Optimizing your hotel's WiFi network

Upgrading your network infrastructure using the latest technology such as Wi-Fi 6 is the best way to optimize your hotel's WiFi network. Adding additional access points and upgrading your routers will give your guests a better experience and ensure that they can stay connected anytime and anywhere within the hotel. Another is to ensure that all of the devices being used have the latest firmware updates to keep your network secured. And finally, staff should be adequately trained on how to navigate basic network settings and troubleshoot any problems that may arise.

Excellent WiFi is equal to 5-star guest reviews.

WiFi connectivity is an essential part of any hotel experience. Nowadays, having a fast, secure and reliable connection is preferable to having a Michelin-starred restaurant or designer-branded amenities. To quote Condé Nast Traveler Contributing Editor Mark Ellwood, "Forget Michelin stars, it's Mbps that matter." So whether your guests require connectivity for business or to browse on social media, they expect to remain online throughout their stay. Weak signals, dead spots, and poor streaming experience can definitely end in negative reviews.

TP-Link Omada SDN allows hotels to build reliable, cost-effective WiFi networks that drive progress and keep guests happy and returning for another stay. Our business solutions offer complete coverage in all areas, including grand ballrooms, outdoor parking and swimming pools. With our tailor-fit solutions and expertise, you can provide better services for your guests, improving their overall hotel experience that translates to 5-star guest reviews.

Learn more about our hospitality business solutions through https://www.tp-link.com/ca/business-networking/ or contact us through sales.ca@tp-link.com.