hoteltech.news July 29, 2026
Artificial IntelligencePublished July 27, 20261 min read

Connected Hotels Demand More Humanity, Not Less Tech

JSBy Joan SanzCurated by Joan Sanz. · July 27, 2026 · Follow on LinkedIn
Voice reading · ~1 min

Federico Domínguez, general manager of Camino Real Mérida, is blunt: AI and connected systems exist to free staff, not replace them. In an interview with Hospitality Net, Domínguez argues that the real value of hotel tech lies in automating repetitive tasks so employees can focus on personal interactions with guests.

For hoteliers investing in connectivity, the takeaway is direct. The more you integrate your PMSPMSThe property management system is a hotel's core software. It handles reservations, check-in and check-out, room assignment, billing and the status of every stay. It is the operational heart that most other tools plug..., booking engineBooking engineA booking engine is the tool that lets guests book directly on the hotel's own website. It shows availability, prices and takes the payment with no middleman. It is the key piece for winning direct bookings and saving..., or guest experience tools, the more essential it becomes that your human team is present, well-trained, and has time to listen. Technology is a means, not an end to make service shine, and that only happens if staff aren't drowning in processes.

At Hotel Tech News, we see this as a positive reminder. Digitalization doesn't dehumanize, it forces us to double down on what makes hotels unique: human touch. The challenge isn't installing more software, but designing workflows so machines handle the mechanical and people create the memorable.

Quick questions

Will AI replace hotel receptionists?
No. According to Federico Domínguez, AI should free staff from repetitive tasks so they can focus on valuable human interactions, not replace them.
How does AI free up hotel staff?
By automating check-ins, reservation management, and FAQs, allowing the team to spend more face-to-face time with guests.
What does a hotel manager say about connectivity?
Federico Domínguez of Camino Real Mérida says the more technology you integrate, the more you need to boost the human factor.
What is the risk of too much connectivity in hotels?
That staff become machine operators and lose the personal touch that differentiates a hotel from a platform.
Should I invest in AI for my hotel?
Yes, but only if you use it to free up your team's time, not to cut staff. Balance between tech and humanity is key.

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