Smart Hotel Project Planning: A Pre-Installation Checklist for Contractors

Most delays and rework on smart hotel projects come from decisions that weren’t made — or weren’t verified on site — before installation started. This checklist covers the questions worth answering early, whether you’re a contractor, system integrator or hotel engineering team planning the rollout.

1. Site survey

• Confirm room types and count per type (standard, suite, connecting rooms) — layouts often differ enough to change device placement
• Check existing wiring: are switches wired for direct load control, or will a retrofit module be needed behind existing wall plates?
• Note wall and ceiling materials (concrete, metal lath) that may affect Bluetooth Mesh signal range between devices

2. HVAC compatibility

• Identify the AC system type per building or wing: single split (IR control), VRF, or central ducted — see our guide to Smart AC compatibility
• Confirm whether the existing thermostat/panel needs to be replaced or can be controlled alongside a retrofit IR controller
• Check fan coil unit wiring where central/VRF systems are involved

3. PMS and access control integration

• Confirm which PMS the hotel uses and whether an integration is required for Pre-arrival Comfort and check-in/check-out triggered scenes
• Confirm the door lock brand and whether it can trigger Welcome Scene and Leave Room Mode directly, or whether a separate card switch is needed

4. Network and connectivity

• Even though guest room automation runs locally over Bluetooth Mesh, confirm whether Mobile Room Control requires a local gateway per floor or per wing
• Plan gateway placement for reliable signal coverage without depending on the hotel’s guest Wi-Fi

5. Commissioning and handover

• Plan device commissioning using the mesh commissioning app room by room, ideally before final wall finishing where retrofit modules are involved
• Prepare a labeled device list per room for future maintenance and warranty reference
• Schedule a scene walkthrough with hotel engineering and housekeeping staff before go-live, covering Welcome Scene, Sleep Scene and the energy-saving scenes

6. Post-installation

• Confirm OTA firmware update process and who is responsible for it going forward
• Document the process for adding, removing or replacing a device without needing to re-commission the whole floor

A short site survey at the start of a project consistently saves far more time than it costs. If you’re planning a project and want a second opinion on the technical approach, get in touch — we regularly support contractors and system integrators through this exact planning stage.