The foundation of any hospitality business is its communication. In a client-facing industry where clear communication is paramount, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) has become the tool of choice to use.
Whether it’s managing client bookings or co-ordinating duties among staff, VoIP solutions can ensure that every interaction is seamless. Its flexibility can support the needs of high-end hotel chains or serve boutique hotels with smaller budgets.
Regardless of what the industry’s needs are, there is a VoIP solution for each one. However, the daunting task is choosing the right service provider to meet those needs. This decision will greatly influence the efficacy of the VoIP system to ensure all communications run as they should.
How Can The Hospitality Industry Benefit From VoIP?
It’s common knowledge that traditional phone systems with copper wiring are costly to install, maintain and eventually, upgrade. When multiple locations are involved, as with hotel chains, this expenditure can easily skyrocket.
As a modern alternative, VoIP technology is much more affordable and effective. Due to voice calls being made over the Internet, there is no need for costly infrastructure and lines can be easily adjusted as needed.
For the hospitality industry specifically, there are a number of reasons why VoIP is the ideal choice for a communication system.
Advanced features: VoIP systems have features like call routing or virtual receptionists which can manage calls as they come in to respond to guests as quickly as possible.
Integration abilities: Modern systems can work with other tools like Customer Relationship Management (CRM) or booking systems for seamless collaboration.
It’s cost-effective: VoIP can significantly reduce calling costs, especially for international guests or locations.
Flexibility: Lines can be added or removed without needing to spend on physical infrastructure to accommodate the hotel’s needs.
8 VoIP Providers For The Hospitality Industry
Finding the right service provider is key to experiencing VoIP’s full benefits. Let’s take a look at some of the top service providers that are geared specifically for the hospitality industry and their needs.
1. bOnline
bOnline offers affordable VoIP solutions to small and medium-size enterprises (SMEs). Their systems are simple to navigate even for those who aren’t exactly tech-savvy. These are well suited to smaller guest houses or bed and breakfasts who may not have exorbitant budgets.
Key Features:
- Multi-device ring on mobiles, tablets and desktops.
- Call recording.
- Transcription of voicemail.
- Flexible contracts.
2. Gamma
Gamma is a leading VoIP service provider with a heavy focus on the hospitality industry. Its Horizon Hosted Phone System is ideal for restaurants or hotels with multiple locations and can be integrated with other PMS systems to improve overall guest services.
Key Features:
- Voicemail to e-mail.
- Mobile and desktop softphones.
- Auto-attendant to direct guest calls.
- 99.999% uptime guarantees.
3. RingCentral
RingCentral has gained global recognition with increased offerings for the hospitality industry. With their cloud-based system, operations can take place remotely with customisable call flows to relevant departments, ideal for boutique hotels or holiday apartments.
Key Features:
- SMS messaging to update guests.
- Video conferencing for staff.
- CRM and PMS integrations.
- 24/7 support for UK users.
4. Vonage
Vonage offers fully flexible and customisable VoIP solutions that allow for mobile use. This is perfect for teams at wedding venues or hotels that host conferences who can answer calls while on the go.
Key Features:
- Smart receptionist and virtual assistant.
- Click-to-call from websites.
- Call monitoring in real-time.
- Sophisticated mobile apps.
5. 8×8
8×8 combines VoIP, messaging and video calls into one central platform. Their installation takes place quickly, suited to hotel chains that have new locations opening. Additionally, their international calling plans cater to global guests.
Key Features:
- Smart call routing.
- Auto-forwarding.
- Operator console for front desk staff.
- API integrations.
6. Berry Telecom
Berry is a UK-based service provider that offers bespoke telecom solutions. Their hotel-specific systems are customisable, including room-to-room calling and account managers during peak seasons. This is ideal for luxury hotels and resorts who require premium service.
Key Features:
- Call activity wallboards for hotel staff.
- Call recording.
- PMS integrations.
7. Voipfone
Voipfone is an ideal choice for smaller businesses within the hospitality industry who need flexible solutions that are affordable. They offer pay-as-you-go options which is perfect for seasonal venues and free internal calling across multi-locations.
Key Features:
- Online control panels.
- Virtual receptionist.
- Free trial available.
- CRM plugins are also available.
8. NFON
NFON specialises in industry-specific solutions. Their hotel solution is called Nhospitality which has built-in features like minibar charges and wake-up calls. This is ideal for big hotel groups, conference hotels or holiday apartments.
Key Features:
- Integrations with PMS and billing systems.
- Scalable for multiple locations.
- Web-based admin portals.
- Guest names are displayed on internal calls.
