No more waiting on hold: how hotels are rethinking accessibility with Phone AI

Posted by:
Antonia Quell
on
June 16, 2025

The sound of a friendly voice on the phone – for many guests, it’s their very first impression of a hotel. And as we know: first impressions count. But anyone who works in hospitality knows how easily this crucial moment can be missed. The front desk is busy, the team is talking to guests, the queue is growing – and the phone rings. Again. And again.

The telephone is one of the most important communication channels in a hotel – no one knows this better than reception teams and hoteliers. Jana Popp, Managing Director of the Best Western Plus Kurhotel an der Obermaintherme, puts it clearly: “For us, it was frustrating that – despite excellent organization – calls kept going unanswered, either because no one was available or the desks weren’t staffed. That simply didn’t match the level of service quality we aim to provide.”

The ideal solution? A reception team that never takes a break. We’ve got something even better.

Phone AI that thinks and acts with you

Imagine your hotel is reachable at all times. At night. During peak season. Even when Kevin is checking in guests and Alma is rescuing the breakfast area. Sounds impossible? It’s not – we promise.

With Phone AI, this becomes reality. A smart voice assistant handles incoming calls, answers questions about check-in times, parking, or EV charging, takes booking inquiries – in multiple languages and around the clock. It’s always friendly, patient, and lightning fast. No waiting. No transferring. No “Please call again later.” Up to 70% less phone-related stress. More time for what really matters: your guests, your service, and true hospitality.

At Event Hotels, that was one of the main reasons for choosing a Phone AI. Nicole Opitz, Director of the Event Service Center, explains: “Since we were already working successfully with you on chatbot solutions, it was a logical next step to plan the move toward Phone AI together. It’s important to us to have a reliable partner who understands and delivers on our needs and expectations. The Phone AI handles 24/7 coverage – something we simply can’t achieve with manpower alone. That in turn gives us greater flexibility when it comes to scheduling. What really stood out was the time saved on recurring, informative questions during phone calls – which make up about 40% of our total call volume.”

Service quality your guests can feel

Implementing Phone AI in your hotel doesn’t just improve efficiency – it creates a noticeably better atmosphere for both guests and staff. Jana Popp shares: “The AI takes a huge load off our team while ensuring we maintain – or even improve – our high service standards. We’ve seen a clear increase in customer satisfaction simply because we’re able to respond faster and more reliably. That’s motivating for the whole team!”

Jana Popp is Managing Director at the Best Western Plus Kurhotel an der Obermaintherme

A hotel that is supported by AI creates a clear competitive advantage. If you are always available, you increase the quality of service and never miss a booking enquiry. The fact that an AI can also have a great brand fit can be seen in Bad Staffelstein: "Our hotel lives from a mixture of tradition and progress - the Phone AI fits in perfectly! For us, AI is not a substitute, but a strong addition that supports our philosophy of working efficiently, reliably and with a focus on service." The use of Phone AI can also have a positive impact on internal working methods. ‘The telephone volume for the agent has been reduced, as questions about the hotel stay are taken care of - which in turn gives the agent more time for more individualised tasks,’ says Stefan Mertens, Director E-Commerce at Event Hotels.

Stefan Mertens, Director E-Commerce at Event Hotels

The Premium Option Among Phone AI Providers

Why are more and more hotels choosing DialogShift’s Phone AI? While other providers offer standard solutions, DialogShift delivers a comprehensive, all-in-one communication platform tailored specifically for the hospitality industry – built on years of experience and insights from working with over 1,200 hotel clients.

The DialogShift Phone AI doesn’t just impress guests – it also delivers technical excellence. It draws from a central, structured knowledge base, meaning it knows far more than just your website content or FAQ section. It understands context, handles follow-up questions, remembers prior information (“Was it the 13th or the 14th?”), and can even generate personalized offers or communicate real-time availability. It sends booking links via SMS or WhatsApp and can even complete bookings autonomously.

PMS or channel manager integration? Of course. Automated workflows? Absolutely. Analytics with guest sentiment included? Naturally. This means hotels can track how satisfied guests are with their interactions with the Phone AI.

Regular software updates ensure the system remains state-of-the-art – with zero downtime. In the background, multiple redundancies, fail-safe data centers, and robust system architecture ensure your hotel stays reachable at all times – even during peak traffic. This unique blend of innovation, technical depth, and true partnership is what our customers appreciate most.

Nicole Opitz sums it up: “The integration of new technologies and processes will help us become more innovative and competitive. AI offers a wide range of benefits in different areas. In the area of Phone AI, processes can be automated, and the voice bot is available 24/7. That’s fantastic service for our guests.”

Nicole Opitz, Director Event Service Center at Event Hotels

Conclusion: AI that picks up the phone – and exceeds expectations

What once sounded like science fiction is now a reality in hospitality: voice AI that sounds human, communicates naturally, and even completes bookings. Thanks to advances in voice technology and intelligent data processing, a new level of communication has been reached – and hotels are benefiting directly. For guests, this means: instant answers. No waiting. No frustration. For teams: more time for genuine hospitality. And for hoteliers: more revenue, less stress.

Stefan Mertens puts it beautifully: “And to close on a fitting note: ‘If you don’t move with the times, you’ll be left behind.’ It also reflects Event Hotels’ overall approach – to simplify processes for both the hotels and the guests, and to enhance the experience. That’s why we already use AI in areas such as guest reputation management, online distribution, and throughout the guest journey.”