When you step into a hotel room and say “turn on the lights” to an AI smart speaker, the lights immediately come on. Ask about nearby family-friendly attractions or great places to eat, and the AI speaker can instantly recommend options, even help book a restaurant or call a ride. This is no longer science fiction, but a standard feature in more and more hotels.
According to data from market research firm Verified Market Reports, AI applications in the travel and hospitality industry (including voice assistants, chatbots, recommendation systems, etc.) reached a market size of USD 10.6 billion in 2024. The market is expected to double to USD 20.47 billion in 2025 and climb to USD 31.81 billion by 2033.
In the U.S., AI smart speakers are already widely adopted, with major hotels introducing them to support customer service, answer guest inquiries, and more. For example, The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas offers a voice concierge named “Rose,” who responds to guests in a witty, personable tone. Rose not only replaces a large portion of customer service tasks but also helped achieve a 96% customer satisfaction rate, handling over 80% of guest requests without human intervention, significantly improving operational efficiency.
In recent years, this AI trend has also reached Taiwan. Hotel groups such as Cosmos Hotels & Resorts and Caesar Park Hotels & Resorts have equipped guest rooms with AI smart speakers, enabling travelers to check facility opening hours, request room service, and even control curtains and lighting by voice, enhancing convenience and the smart living experience.
Capella Taipei, which opened this April, took things a step further by centering its concept on “smart luxury.” All 86 guestrooms and suites are equipped with AI smart speakers that allow intuitive voice interaction. Guests can easily adjust lighting, control TVs, or discover Taipei’s cultural highlights. The system also integrates seamlessly with the hotel’s Property Management System (PMS) and Task Management System (TMS), automating guest requests, streamlining operations, and reducing front desk workload. With 24/7 multilingual service, the solution is particularly suited to high-end international travelers.
Dennis Laubenstein, General Manager of Capella Taipei, noted that AI voice assistants not only deliver real-time, personalized experiences but also allow staff to focus on delivering better service.
For hoteliers, the potential of AI smart speakers and voice assistants goes beyond enhancing guest service. They are powerful engines for improving efficiency, reducing labor costs, and boosting ancillary revenue.
UK consultancy Coir Consulting reported that AI smart speakers and voice assistants have shortened the time needed to resolve routine guest issues by 35% while reducing customer service management costs by 40%. Additionally, AI can proactively recommend upgrades or add-on services (such as spa treatments, late checkout, or in-room dining), helping hotels grow revenue. One luxury resort that deployed an AI recommendation system reported a 23% revenue increase.
Looking ahead, hotels can integrate CRM with AI speakers to personalize the in-room experience even before check-in, adjusting lighting, temperature, and entertainment based on previous guest preferences. This level of personalization will further boost guest satisfaction and brand loyalty.
As more hotels adopt AI smart speakers, they will no longer be just a cool gadget, but a core technology integrating human-like interaction, data insights, and operational automation. This transformation will not only enhance the guest experience but also optimize hotel operations.
*Originally published on TechOrange by Ariel on August 8, 2025