Every month our colleague Bridget Donofrio offers us, directly from the VDA Telkonet office in the United States, her personal point of view on the latest innovations in terms of technology, sustainability and energy saving to help hotel and non-hotel establishments remain competitive. 

Let’s read together her article for Bridget’s Suite July 2025. 

I adore my little teardrop trailer. It’s charming, cozy, and the perfect companion for national park adventures. There’s nothing quite like waking up to a misty morning in the mountains, sipping instant coffee under a pine tree. And since my husband and I love all things Italian, our teardrop is named “Andiamo!”  

But let’s be real—roughing it only goes so far. Because after a few days of brushing my teeth with a water bottle and convincing myself that baby wipes count as a shower, I start fantasizing about hotels. Not just any hotels—smart hotels. 

Hotels, dear reader, are where I trade dirt for decadence. So while I’m snuggled in crisp white sheets that someone else washed (bless them), sipping hotel-lobby coffee that mysteriously tastes better than my own, I know I’m enjoying the perks of smart, guilt-free indulgence. A stack of fluffy towels? Yes, please. A rain shower big enough to hold a dance party? Absolutely. A robe so soft it could be illegal? You bet I’m wearing it.

They don’t blast the AC 24/7 or leave every guest room light on when I’m not there. Nope—hotels are sneaky-sustainable. They use occupancy-based energy controls, bulk shampoo, LED everything, and eco-smart linens.

Which means they save on energy—and spend more on amenities.

As an EMS/GRMS insider, I know that many hotels now use Guest Room Management Systems (GRMS)—fancy tech that basically turns a regular room into a responsive, eco-conscious command center. These systems automate everything from the lights and curtains to the temperature, all while sipping energy instead of guzzling it. When I slide the keycard into the slot and the room springs to life, that’s GRMS at work.

And the benefits go beyond my personal comfort. From the hotel’s side, GRMS increases staff productivity by automating routine tasks and giving real-time data, so staff can focus on things that actually enhance the guest experience (like making sure my pillows are cloud-grade). It also means lower labor costs and operational efficiency, which lets hotels spend less on back-end chaos—and more on perks I actually notice, like comfy in-room climate control, fast Wi-Fi, and cozy, inviting welcome scenes when I check in.  

And while we’re talking about the benefits of sustainable investments, they really do make properties more attractive to investors and buyers. Investments in technology can justify higher rates, meet future regulatory compliance requirements, reduce operating costs and increase net operating income. Were you aware that in the U.S., sustainable buildings see an average increase in asset value by 10-15%? 

But back to me. In the end, I get the best of both worlds: I get to explore the wild, sleep among the trees, and then reward myself with a stay in a hotel that’s not just cozy, but clever. Let’s face it—my darling custom teardrop trailer is wonderful. But nothing beats a smart thermostat, mood lighting, and a robe that feels like it was spun from clouds.  

So here’s to balance. Here’s to hiking by day and hotel luxury by night. Sometimes the best part of the adventure is knowing there’s a mint on your pillow waiting at the end of the trail.