Three case studies demonstrate the power of customization in hospitality concepts

A digital key on your smartphone? For one hotel guest, this is the most normal thing in the world, while the other prefers to be greeted personally at the reception. For Hotek Hospitality Group, both wishes are equally natural. The company develops and implements access solutions that fit the concept of each hospitality location. Three reference projects – a fully digital city hotel, a luxury wellness hotel, and a restaurant with multifunctional meeting rooms – show how Hotek translates customisation into very diverse hospitality concepts.

"We not only deliver a product, but are truly a partner for our customers," says sales coordinator Stijn Batenburg from Hotek. "Customers can turn to one source for everything. Thanks to our comprehensive range, ranging from electronic locks and Mobile Key solutions to all associated accessories, we offer a true one-stop shop solution. Additionally, we have our own team of experienced technicians. This allows us to be flexible, can quickly respond to requests, and ensures the quality of installation and service."

According to him, there is no standard solution for access control. After all, every hospitality location has its own target audience, identity and way of working. Therefore, every project begins with an inventory of the customer's wishes, with the hospitality concept being the central focus. It is this combination that makes Hotek more than just a supplier, says Batenburg. "We not only consider the technology, but the overall solution as well."

Hotel without reception

Hotel Vie Via in Leeuwarden is a prime example of the ongoing digitalization within the hotel industry for Hotek. The hotel does not have a traditional reception desk. Guests check in completely online and then receive a digital key on their smartphone. "The technology must work flawlessly, because there is no reception where guests can simply knock for a key,” says Batenburg. “That's why we worked with the customer to find a solution that fully aligns with their concept." This does not end the role of Hotek, he explains. "The entire guest journey must be consistent. Through the same web app, the guest not only has access to the hotel room, but also to practical information, offers, and additional services. We work together to create the entire guest journey and ensure that hardware and software work seamlessly together."

However, according to him, digitalization does not mean that personal contact will disappear. On the contrary. "Employees have more time available for genuine hospitality, because administrative tasks are largely automated."

The hotel concept as a starting point

That digitalization does not always mean that a smartphone replaces the regular keycard proves Hotel Otium in Roosendaal. This wellness hotel consciously chose electronic locks in combination with physical keycards. "At a wellness hotel, everything revolves around peace, luxury, and personal attention. An entrance reception is therefore an excellent fit within the overall experience." Although Mobile Key is becoming increasingly popular, a physical keycard remains a good choice for many hotels, says Batenburg. "The choice ultimately depends on the concept and the wishes of the hotelier. A city hotel with many international guests often requires maximum speed and digitalization. A wellness hotel, on the other hand, places different requirements. We therefore do not recommend a standard solution, but always look at what best suits the identity of the hotel."

Also outside the hotel room

The expertise of Hotek extends far beyond the traditional hotel market, as demonstrated by Restaurant Comer in Haarlem. The meeting rooms were equipped with an electronic access control system. "Meeting rooms are used by different guests and companies. It is therefore important that access rights can be managed easily." With the system, the location can efficiently determine who has access to which space at any given time, without complex procedures. "This not only saves time for the administrator, but also for the users."

For Batenburg, this project proves that Hotek's expertise extends beyond the traditional hotel market. "Whether it's hotel rooms, meeting rooms, or other spaces: ultimately it always comes down to the same question: which solution best suits the guest and the concept of the location?"