Human employees versus robotic employees: Customers and hotel managers’ perceived experience at unmanned smart hotels

Abstract

Hotel managers and researchers are increasingly interested in artificial intelligence (AI) and robots, which are vital to the future of the hospitality industry. However, adopting robotic services is challenging due to the current state of the art and insufficient understanding of the relationship between customer satisfaction and robotic services. Hotels are building a competitive advantage through high technology permeating various service environments. This study examined customer perceptions and satisfaction with smart hotels during COVID-19 based on online reviews by building a list of smart hotel properties that identifies well-performing and poorly performing service quality. Results highlight the advantages of smart hotels in the tourism environment and provide helpful guidance for hoteliers to apply high technology in the service environment. This study examines and demonstrates that the utility of new technologies in a smart hotel at modern times to deal with the challenges of COVID-19, and assures precision and speed in service delivery to improve sustained competition and guest experience.