Smart Hotels and It`s Privacy Concerns

The term “smartness” is used to describe a hotel’s ability to provide guests with the best possible experience. To do so, it must take into account several factors, including the hotel’s ability to provide a high level of service, comfort, and convenience for its guests.

The smartness of a hotel is also related to how well it provides privacy for its guests. In other words, if a hotel is not willing to provide good privacy for its guests, then it does not deserve to be called “smart”.

Smartness can be measured by using several different methods. The most common method is using sensors that are connected directly to a computer system within the hotel. Other methods include using cameras or listening devices placed around the premises.

5 Smart Hotels around the World that Highlights the New Global Trend

1. Wynn and Encore Las Vegas

2. YOTEL Singapore Orchard Road Hotel
3. New York Establishment
4. W Singapore – Sentosa Cove
5. Eccleston Square

Risks associated with Smart Hotel

While the security and privacy concerns of a smart hotel are obvious, it is important to note that the potential risks of smart technology can be mitigated in a number of ways.

1. Hacking – Smart devices can be hacked by malicious actors. To combat this, hotels can use security systems that monitor and record suspicious behavior on the part of guests or staff members. This enables them to identify problems before they become major issues, though it does require more monitoring time than traditional security methods.
2. Data breaches – Smart hotel systems store information on their own servers, which means they are susceptible to hackers who may access this information without permission from hotel staff members or guests, which could result in identity theft or other crimes if sensitive information is leaked out into the public sphere through security breaches at these servers.

Many hotels have been able to use smart devices to provide additional amenities and services for their guests without sacrificing privacy concerns or compromising guest safety or comfort levels for the accommodates. 

Smart hotels are becoming more popular due to their ability to provide an enhanced experience for guests. The smart hotel has a variety of features including:

• A check-in process that is automated and streamlined.
• A personalized recommendation system that recommends restaurants, bars, or activities based on what you liked at previous stays in the same area.
• An entertainment system that recommends movies, music, and other activities based on what guests have previously enjoyed. 

Three Ways to Eliminate the Risks

• Separate Cards, VPN, and Security Apps

• If hackers gained access to your bank account, it would be extremely dangerous. To avoid this, pay for a smart hotel with a separate bank account and credit card.
• When using the hotel’s free Wi-Fi, use a virtual private network (VPN). Any data you send or receive is encrypted during the process. Credit card numbers, bank account numbers, and passwords are all examples of sensitive information.
• Install reputable security applications on your device. An antivirus program and software that alerts you to potentially dangerous websites would suffice. Always keep these apps up to date for the best results.

• Check Bank Statements Even After You Check Out

Hackers are becoming more sophisticated by the day. They now wait until you check out of the hotel before using your information. As a result, it’s a good idea to check bank statements even after you’ve checked out of the hotel.

• If you notice any of the following, you should contact your bank:
• Bills for goods and services you never purchased.
• I’m getting calls from debt collectors.
• The bank statement contains unfamiliar account names.
• Checks are being refused by merchants.

• Opt-Out of Smart Services

• If you want to prevent data theft, avoid disclosing your personal information. Hotels such as Marriott and Hilton provide the option to opt-out of smart services.
• If this is not an option, avoid using smart features and unplug any smart display or speaker.

Choose Privacy over Comfort

The privacy concerns raised by a hotel’s smartness have been debated for years, but it’s clear that the benefits of being connected outweigh the risks.

Hotels are already in the middle of a data-sharing boom: they collect information about their guests and use it to make all kinds of decisions about how to run their hotels. But with the rise of smart technology, they can now also collect information on their guests’ habits and preferences—even if those habits or preferences would normally be considered personal.

Before booking a room at the hotel, you should consider its privacy concerns. The smartness of a smart hotel is well-known, but it also has its downsides.

First, it can increase your anxiety level by turning on surveillance cameras or microphones. Sometimes the hotel staff may use these devices to record your activities in order to improve their service.

Second, these devices can be hacked and used for other purposes. For example, someone could turn off the microphone and use it as an audio recorder when you are having private conversations with your partner or in-laws.

Third, some people may feel uncomfortable about sharing personal information with strangers who work in hotels. This can make them feel like they are being watched all the time even if there is no surveillance camera present at all. 

Other ways to Protect Yourself

If you’re staying at a hotel, you probably don’t think much about the security of your room.

But there are a few things that can help protect your privacy while you’re away from home:

• Set a password on your phone or laptop that only you know.
• Make sure to use an app like Signal or WhatsApp (or any other secure messaging app) so that messages between you and the person who’s staying in your room can stay private.
• Keep an eye out for any signs of unusual activity around the hotel—be it suspicious-looking people or suspicious-looking packages or bags. If something seems out of place, report it immediately to hotel staff or security.