Many hotel operators know that by identifying the latest trends in hotel technology they are staying one step ahead in an ever-changing, competitive market. Hotels know that customers are currently demanding more for their money and expect to see the latest hotel technology innovations being implemented wherever they stay.Here’s the lowdown on the latest trends hotel technology has to offer:

1. Integration: Hotel technology vendors have recognized that while offering an all-in-one system with myriad features may command the highest price point, it could lead to offering a product that lacks in certain areas. Therefore, creating partnerships with neighboring vendors and integrating with third-party tools has taken priority.
2. Cloud Computing: The ability to house servers, data and other infrastructure off-site is becoming increasingly popular with hoteliers. Why invest in clunky hardware when most of your daily operating applications can be hosted elsewhere and accessed on the Internet?
3. Mobile Applications:Many hotel operators are looking towards mobile booking solutions. This year many hoteliers have flaunted e-concierge applications available to their guests. But most vendors in 2011 moved away from simply building iPhone apps, recognizing the increasing popularity of the Android platform. The most forward-thinking vendors have built software-based applications that can be implemented in the form of an iPhone app, iPad app, Android app, browser-based application or software installed on the PC.
4. IPad applications: Developing iPad apps is another trend hotel operators are looking to. Yet be warned if your hotel already has an iPhone app, you cannot simply edit the resolution in the source code and thrash out an iPad app. It has got to be redeveloped, and a multitude of hospitality vendors spent the past four months doing just that, adding more features along the way.
5. Wow Factor: There are always those few products that may not be all that practical, or cost-effective, but do have the wow factor. One company streamed the World Cup live in 3-D through electronic shutter glasses providing a unique experience for guests. Also, the Cybertecture Mirror offers an interactive mirror that can display the time, temperature, local traffic, news and live television, among other things. Mirrors in hotel rooms can be synched with your mirror at home since data is kept in a cloud, and health information can even be shared with your physician.

Keeping ahead of the trends is imperative for hotels, with hotel technology being a key aspect.