Did you know over 60% of companies don’t have a long-term strategy for their internal communications?
To maintain effective workflow, quality communication is paramount. Without it, poor communication can lead to frustrated customers, conflict among staff, and general confusion.
In the hospitality industry, communication is the most important and the most used skill. Managers spend the majority of their time communicating with their employees, customers, and various other departments.
Some of the best two-way radios have proven to be an effective tool in the quest for clear and concise communication. With staff constantly moving around the hotel, portable two-way radios are the easiest way to keep in instant contact.
When choosing the best long-range two-way radios for your hotel, there are several things to consider.
Here’s how to find the best two-way radios for your hotel.
Why Should You Use Two-Way Radios in Your Hotel?
Providing guests with a relaxing and enjoyable experience is a hotel’s top priority. Two-way radios are one of the best ways to ensure this is achieved.
There are many reasons why two-way radios are beneficial for hotels.
- Improved customer experience
- Easy-to-use with optional earpiece use
- Stock control
- Better interdepartmental communication
- Easy to program security and access features
- Affordable communication solution
When Should You Use a Portable Two-Way Radio in Your Hotel?
The daily running of a hotel involves numerous staff in several departments. A two-way radio communication system is essential when it comes to effectively managing staff and taking care of customers’ needs.
There are many situations in a hotel’s operations that would benefit from two-way radio communication.
Housekeeping
Housekeeping duties entail staff being on different floors and areas of the hotel. Two-way radios offer an instant form of communication regardless of where staff is located. If a guest calls housekeeping for clean towels, the manager can put out a call for the nearest staff member to assist.
Restaurants
Restaurants equipped with two-way radios can provide quick and up-to-date information for all staff. For example, kitchen staff can let servers know that they are out of a certain dish and servers can request a manager to deal with a customer complaint.
Maintenance
If you ever see someone from the maintenance team sitting down, you know they’re not doing their job right. Maintenance is almost always on their feet, going from job to job. Two-way radios allow front desk staff to inform them of an issue that needs to be resolved while they’re on the move.
Security
Security personnel rely on efficient communication to keep the hotel secure. With an earpiece, security staff can share information, request help, or pass details onto other departments. All this without having to leave their post.
Front Desk and Valet
Communication between the front desk and valet is crucial. They are the first point of contact for guests and offer immediate insight into the hotel’s service.
Front desk staff can alert the valet when a guest is ready for their car to be pulled around. And valet staff can alert the front desk when a guest has arrived and is headed to check-in.
Two-Way Radio Features
If you’re looking to buy or hire a two-way radio system, it’s useful to understand the features now available on many models.
For example, two-way radios that are lightweight, reliable, and include text messaging are ideal for the hospitality business.
Here are some of the most common features found on two-way radios.
Interference-Eliminator Codes
Two-way radios have a limited number of channels available based on the frequencies assigned by the FCC, so there is always a chance someone else may be using the same channel you are using. This is the reason for privacy codes.
Privacy codes are based on the CTCSS or DCS codes capability of two-way radios. A receiving radio that has a privacy code set will not un-mute its speaker unless that code is sent along with a transmission.
In a busy hotel environment, channels can quickly get occupied. Many radios provide a Continuous Tone Coded Squelch System (CTCSS). This allows you to use one of the main channels using a privacy code.
Calling and Paging Features
You can pre-set a calling tone to connect with someone on the other end before you start talking. For front desk and restaurant staff, this isn’t ideal. Luckily, some models have a vibrate setting you can use instead.
Scanning
The scanning feature allows you to scan through channels to find one that your team is using. You can also use this feature to find an empty channel to make contact with various departments.
Noise Filter
A noise filter provides clearer signals and enhanced range. No need to yell into your radio or wave it around the air, searching for a signal.
Hands-Free
Wireless earpieces, microphones, and headphones allow for hands-free operation. This is ideal for those working in all hotel departments, especially front desk, and security staff.
Text Messaging and Alerting
Not all radio communication needs to be voice-to-voice. Less urgent messages can be sent safely via two-way radio text messaging. Share information quickly and discreetly.
Work Order and Job Assignment
Assigning jobs has never been easier. Automate tasks and streamline processes to help improve productivity.
Indoor Location Tracking
Indoor location tracking can help you locate staff to give you real-time location information anytime, anywhere. This feature is not limited to indoor use. It can also be applied outdoors when you need to know if a radio is close to a certain point.
Push-To-Talk
All two-way radios have a Push-To-Talk button. This is a button on the side of the radio that is held down to make the radio transmit. When finished, the user simply has to take their finger off the button.
5 Tips for Choosing the Right Motorola Two-Way Radios
Not sure what two-way radio system is the best suited for your hotel’s needs?
Here are the most important factors to consider when deciding what two-way radio to buy for your hotel.
1. Range
Most two-way portable radios can communicate between 20 to 30 miles. Consider your hotel’s size and factor in any obstacles that may affect transmission.
2. Licensing
If you wish to buy any form of equipment that transmits or receives messages through radio frequencies, you may need a FCC license. Don’t get caught out. Licensed radios help protect you from interference from other users and provide confidential communication.
3. Size
For staff constantly on their feet, lightweight radios are the obvious choice. Although larger radios often have a longer range and better battery life. Consider whether or not size outweighs range and battery life.
4. Durability
How and where two-way radios will be used may determine what level of durability you buy. For example, maintenance staff is more likely to get them knocked around compared to desk staff. Consider a protective case or buy a sturdier model.
5. Quality
Poor signal, sound, and battery life aren’t going to help your hotel run any better. Don’t make the mistake of going with the cheaper option. Buy high quality the first time around.
Just because it’s cheaper, it doesn’t always mean it’s better.
Most Important Two-Way Radio Features for Hotels to Look For
Choosing the right two-way radio depends on your plans for its use. What features a hotel radio needs differs from what a construction worker needs.
Here are the common features to look out for to use in a hotel.
- Rechargeable batteries
- Longer battery life
- Waterproof
- Long to extreme range
- Quality sound
- LED flashlight
- Portable and lightweight
- Headset compatibility
- Backlit LCD
Recommended Handheld Two-Way Radios for Hotels
Ready to implement two-way radios in your hotel?
Get a head start on the process by checking out our recommended two-way radio systems for hotels.
Motorola Ion Smart Radio
If your business is after a smart radio with full multimedia capabilities, this may be the right product for you. The Motorola Ion Smart Radio is one of the best-performing products on the market.
With several departments working and coordinating together, crisp communication is key. This radio offers communication services even when you’re not in range. Perfect for departments that operate in various positions and on different floors.
It also includes industry-leading audio, an important feature to have in an often loud hospitality environment. The best part about the radio is its easy setup and fast updates. This radio moves just as the hospitality industry does – fast and efficient.
Motorola R7 Series Portable Two-Way Radios
If your hotel lacks connectivity, this nifty radio is for you. The Motorola R7 Series has all the features your hotel needs to run. Excellent range, long battery life, and crisp audio quality.
As a commercial business, communication between departments and teams is vital. Often, departments work long shifts with minimal breaks. With longer battery life, your staff won’t need to charge their radios mid-shift.
It also comes equipped with an easy-to-see, large full-color display. This is perfect for employees who don’t have time to stop and read small text. Menu navigation buttons and a keypad are also key features that make contact between staff a breeze.
Motorola SL3500e Portable Two-Way Radio
A hotel that prides itself on high standards will appreciate the features this radio has to offer. The Motorola SL3500e Portable Two Way Radio has a lightweight design, is stylish, and is discreet.
Personal presentation is an important characteristic of front desk employees. As representatives of the hotel and its brand, employees will appreciate the discreet design of the radio. It easily fits in the pockets of the front desk staff.
Its lightweight design is also ideal for hotel staff on the constant move. As your staff weave through the kitchen, up and down hallways, and through vacated rooms, they shouldn’t feel weighed down at all.
Motorola SL300 Portable Two Way Radio
With a thick, bold design, this portable radio is designed to suit almost every hotel department. From housekeeping to security, the Motorola SL300 Portable Two-Way Radio is easy-to-use and able to withstand day-to-day wear and tear.
Security staff often have to deal with unruly guests. At times, this may become physical. With the radio’s rugged frame and thick antenna, your staff won’t have to worry about any potential damage.
Its shatterproof active view display is also a testament to its rugged and durable design. With the latest technology, the Motorola SL300 is an excellent option for the fast-paced hotel industry.
Best Tips for Using Two-Way Radios
First time using two-way radios?
Don’t worry; they’re relatively easy to use. But before you do, here are a few tips to help you and your staff communicate effectively from the get-go.
- Be prepared
- Identify yourself and who the message is for
- Be patient
- Use short, clear messages
- Pause before speaking
- Learn the lingo (over, say again, roger, affirmative)
Two-way radios are not toys. They are used as a means of efficient and safe communication.
Come up with easy-to-remember terminology for your staff to use. And make sure it’s used consistently across departments.
And no, the “eagle has landed” is not appropriate radio terminology. Or maybe it is…
Choose the Best Two Way Radios for Your Hotel
In hospitality, communication is everything. When emergencies arise, the best two-way radios can connect you within an instant. But it isn’t just voice-to-voice communication.
Some of the best two-way radios include popular applications, including text messaging and alerting, work order and job assignment, and indoor location tracking.
You know your hotel better than anyone else. If you can’t find the right solution for your hotel, don’t despair.
EMCI Wireless has a huge catalog of affordable two-way radio rental equipment. Our leading experts in the industry can recommend the perfect two-way radio for you.
We understand how important communication is to the hospitality industry. We want to provide you with the latest advancements in two-way radio technology to give you a competitive edge.
Looking to buy two-way radios for your hotel? Contact us to help you with specific solutions for your organization.
