Hey Lykkers! Have you ever imagined checking into a hotel where a smart assistant takes care of everything for you—without you ever talking to a real person?

Sounds like a futuristic dream, right? Well, artificial intelligence (AI) is slowly making its way into the hotel industry, changing how things work.

But is it really as exciting as it sounds? Let's dive in!

AI in Hotels: What's Happening?

Technology is advancing fast, and hotels are trying to keep up. At the "Food Hotel Tech" exhibition in Paris, experts discussed how AI could revolutionize the travel and hospitality industry. One of the biggest developments? AI-powered travel agents that might change the way we plan our trips!

Amazon's AI Concierge: A Game-Changer?

Amazon is stepping up its game by introducing an AI concierge in Europe. Using Alexa, a voice assistant with a touchscreen and speaker, hotel guests can now ask for information about the hotel, request towels, check breakfast timings, or even book a taxi—all without calling the reception. This system is already available in the U.S. and could soon be a common feature in European hotels.

Google's Vision for AI in Hotels

Charles-Antoine Doron, Google's Head of Tourism and Mobility, believes AI will help hotel staff by handling tasks like real-time translation and marketing assistance. The goal? Freeing up employees so they can focus on providing better guest experiences.

However, he also says that the real breakthrough will come when AI can book flights and suggest destinations, making travel planning effortless. But that's not happening just yet!

Are Hotels Really Using AI?

Even though AI sounds like a big deal, the truth is that many hotels are still hesitant to adopt it. In France, 63% of hotels don't use AI at all, according to a study by UMI, a major hospitality association.

Hotel owner Véronique Sigiel has tested AI tools to reply to online guest reviews, which she says saves time. However, when she tried using AI-powered assistants (like Alexa) in hotel rooms, very few guests actually used them.

So, is AI really making hotel stays better? Or do people still prefer human interaction?

AI vs. Human Touch: The Debate Continues

One big issue with AI in hotels is customer data. Platforms like Booking.com don't share guest information with hotels until check-in, making it harder for hotels to personalize services. Many hotel owners are pushing for fairer data-sharing rules under the EU's Digital Markets Act.

Another concern? Not everyone is comfortable with AI handling their personal preferences. While some guests love a personalized experience, others find it intrusive and unsettling.

AI Helping Hotels in Different Ways

Not all AI tools are about robots replacing hotel staff. Some, like Happening Now, help hotels predict demand, adjust room prices, and optimize occupancy rates. This means hotels don't lose money by charging too little or too much.

Final Thoughts: Will AI Take Over Hotels?

AI in hotels is exciting but still in its early days. While some technologies, like AI chatbots and virtual assistants, can enhance guest experiences, most travelers still appreciate human interactions.

So, Lykkers, what do you think? Would you prefer an AI assistant in your hotel room, or do you still want a friendly face at the front desk?