Innovative experience solutions for the hotel sector

The hotel industry is all about experience. Guests expect not only a warm welcome, but also a stay that feels like home, from reception to hotel room. Van Gils offers hotels technological solutions that allow them to exceed these expectations. "Our systems are designed to unburden hotel staff so they can spend more time on personal contact with guests," says Van Gils' Laurent Decavele.

The first impression guests get when they enter a hotel is crucial for their subsequent experience. Therefore, it is important to create a wow effect from the very first moment. "The key lies in appealing to all the senses," says Laurent Decavele, business manager of Van Gils. "Image, sound, smell and lighting must combine to create a harmonious atmosphere that welcomes guests. Imagine a large LED wall in the lobby showing impressive images of the hotel or its surroundings, accompanied by soothing music and dynamic lighting. These screens can also stream live events, making the arrival even more impressive."

Van Gils goes one step further with audio showers, an innovative technology that allows sound to be targeted very precisely, for example to play certain music precisely on the route from the entrance to the reception. "Those first five minutes determine how guests will experience their subsequent stay," emphasises Decavele.

Besides the first impression in the lobby, the hotel room plays a crucial role in the overall experience. Guests today expect the same comfort as at home, which means strong Wi-Fi, an intuitive TV experience and the ability to stream music are indispensable. "Guests want to be able to easily watch their own content and listen to music, through their personal accounts," Decavele explains.

Van Gils offers systems compatible with all common devices, from Apple to Android, and ensures that each guest's privacy is maintained. "No personal data should be left for the next guest, and our professional systems ensure that this is done safely and efficiently."

A strategic partnership with Connectify allows Van Gils to completely unburden hotels. "With Connectify, a specialist in digital screen experience, VoIP, IPTV and IT services, we offer hotels the best Wi-Fi coverage and the ability for guests to watch all their favourite programmes back via IPTV or Telenet TV. All popular streaming services are supported, and hotel managers don't have to worry about the technical side of things. We take care of everything for them," says Decavele. This total solution, from network infrastructure to entertainment, makes Van Gils the ideal one-stop shop for hotels looking for reliable technology.

More and more companies are choosing hotels for meetings, conferences and off-site gatherings. To this end, Van Gils offers technology specifically designed for an optimal meeting experience. "Our systems work seamlessly on all visitors' devices, ensuring flawless presentations and (video) meetings," says Decavele. Sound, image and connectivity are optimised to meet the high demands of corporate clients. Moreover, the systems are easy to use, so hotel staff do not need any additional training to keep everything running smoothly.

Van Gils has already worked with Marriott, Hotel T in Waregem, The Memlinc in Knokke, Hotel Astoria in De Haan and numerous other leading hotels. "These projects prove our great added value for the hotel sector," says Decavele. "We are happy to invite hoteliers to our brand-new Experience Center in Beernem, where they can experience for themselves how our innovative solutions can improve the guest experience."