Guests may not benefit, and security concerns keep many using personal 5G connections. Here are reasons why Wi-Fi7 can still matter…
Many hotels today operate on Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) or Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) networks, which already support multiple devices per guest and offer solid speeds for streaming, video calls, and cloud-based work.
Upgrading to Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) brings technical advances — such as higher throughput, lower latency, and better performance in high-density environments.
However, the practical benefits for the average hotel guest in 2025 are limited by several factors:
- Device compatibility: The majority of guest devices (smartphones, tablets, laptops) do not yet support Wi-Fi 7, meaning most guests will not experience the full benefits of the new standard for several years.
- Infrastructure investment: Upgrading to Wi-Fi 7 is costly, especially for properties that have recently modernized to Wi-Fi 6. For many, the incremental improvement does not currently justify the expense unless they face chronic congestion or are planning a major renovation.
- Guest usage trends: Some surveys suggest that, while a majority of travelers value hotel Wi-Fi, many use it primarily for basic browsing, streaming, and work tasks — activities that Wi-Fi 6 already handles well.
Still, according to Dirk Dumortier, Director of Strategic Partnerships, Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise: “Opting for already-aging Wi-Fi 6 technologies, often constrained by limited 1Gbps uplinks, risk creating a connectivity environment that cannot keep pace. If anything, forward-thinking hoteliers understand that providing secure, reliable, and high-performing connectivity signals commitment to the guest’s connected lifestyle and is a powerful way to build guest trust and establish genuine competitive advantage.”
Not all experts agree, according to a ChannelBytes analysis: unless a hotel is struggling with legacy Wi-Fi that cannot support current demand, or is a large convention property with thousands of simultaneous users, the rush to Wi-Fi 7 may have to wait.
Security: The elephant in the room
While speed and reliability are important, guest concerns about Wi-Fi security are on the rise. Multiple studies have found that hotel Wi-Fi networks are among the least secure public networks, making them attractive targets for cybercriminals. Common risks include:
- Unsecured networks: Many hotel Wi-Fi networks lack robust encryption, exposing guest data to interception.
- Rogue hotspots: Hackers can set up fake networks mimicking hotel Wi-Fi, tricking guests into connecting and stealing credentials.
- Malware and Man-in-the-Middle attacks: Insecure networks allow attackers to install malware or intercept sensitive information.
As a result, a growing segment of guests — especially business travelers — prefer to use their own 5G SIM cards or prepaid mobile hotspots for sensitive activities, citing higher trust in mobile network security.
This trend is likely to continue, regardless of Wi-Fi 7’s technical improvements, unless hotels make significant investments in network security (e.g., WPA3 encryption, network segmentation, and regular security audits).
Wi-Fi 7: where it makes sense
Despite the caveats, Dumortier noted that a well-implemented Wi-Fi 7 infrastructure does offer tangible benefits for certain hotel environments:
- High-density or tech-forward properties: Large resorts, convention centers, or hotels planning to deploy hundreds of IoT devices, AR/VR guest experiences, or real-time location services may benefit from Wi-Fi 7’s increased capacity and lower latency.
- Future-proofing: Hotels planning major renovations or aiming to market themselves as technology leaders may see value in deploying Wi-Fi 7 to support the next wave of guest devices and applications.
- Operational efficiency: Advanced features such as multi-link operation and improved interference management can enhance reliability for staff devices and smart hotel systems, supporting smoother operations and better guest service.
He has offered the following recommendations to hotels in need of connectivity infrastructure upgrades:
✓ Audit existing infrastructure: Before considering Wi-Fi 7, assess the current network’s performance, guest satisfaction, and device compatibility. If Wi-Fi 6 is already in place and meeting demand, immediate upgrade is rarely necessary.
✓ Prioritize security: Invest in WPA3 encryption, strong authentication, and regular security audits to build guest trust — regardless of Wi-Fi standard.
✓ Plan for the future: For hotels planning major renovations or expecting explosive growth in device density or smart services, Wi-Fi 7 can be part of a long-term strategy — but only if the business case is clear.
✓ Communicate options: Clearly inform guests about both the strengths and security limitations of hotel Wi-Fi, and offer guidance on safe usage. Where possible, provide robust 5G coverage as an alternative.
The real differentiators in the hospitality guest experience today are reliable performance, robust security, and guest choice — not simply adopting the latest standard for its own sake.
