Since the 1800s, when hotels first began their focus in first class service, effective communications between staff members has been an integral part of ensuring guest satisfaction. In today's highly competitive hospitality environment, the need for instant communication is even more intense, whether it’s quickly sending towels to a guest’s room, or ensuring catering arrives at the correct time. After all, memorable quality guest service can often be the determining factor for guest loyalty.

Unfortunately, in the hotel setting, communicating with other staff members is not always an easy task. Similar to nurses and doctors who constantly travel around a large hospital to assist patients, hotel staff members often change locations in the hotel to assist guests. Traditionally, hotels have relied on walkie-talkies to connect mobile staff members, but these devices can be difficult to use and are often loud and disruptive to hotel patrons.

Recently, wireless communications systems enabling instant voice communication among mobile workers have emerged, and are now being adapted by hotels. Comprised of intelligent system software and lightweight, hands-free, wearable communication devices, these systems allow hotel staff are able to instantly speak with the right individuals, at the right time, for the right situation to deliver the best customer service.

Wireless technology presents the following benefits for hotels and the quality of service they can provide to the consumer:

• Increases staff productivity and reduces response time to satisfy guest requests

• Improves overall guest satisfaction and service

• Creates a calm guest environment by reducing or eliminating communication via walkie-talkie

Vocera, a provider of wireless communication solutions, recently released a video showcasing the benefits of wireless technology implementation in the Talbott Hotel in Chicago. To view the video please visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f05XsOjSLbw.