In any case, this gentleman has found a good application for the room folder. But of course that is really not possible. So go, put it in the trash. Or… does the room folder still have a future? GuestCompass will find out.

Our observations

Just look up the WiFi code, check whether the bar is already open, consult the menu for that evening. Information that is in the room folder, but nowadays increasingly also available digitally and online on the screen. Chances are that your hotel guest will take a look at it first; this information is up-to-date and immediately practical to use. Have you seen a nice menu? Reserve a table in the restaurant right away. It can be that easy, #wellarranged.

Advantages and disadvantages of the room folder

Advantages and disadvantages of the room folder

Of course, a room folder is clear, can always be consulted and is therefore easy to use. That also says everything. With a room folder, your hotel guests cannot immediately order room service or reserve a table in the restaurant (that’s where your extra sales moment goes ☹). It is and remains a bundle of sheets of paper. A bundle that you must replace with every change. And that is a time-consuming and costly job, especially if you have a lot of rooms.

Our visions

Just because of the financial costs and the environmental aspects of paper use, there is no more room for the traditional room folder in hotels. Also in a literal sense. Hotel rooms are nowadays decorated in a sleek, minimalist way. A room folder no longer fits with that. Only when print is an addition to the digital information, hotels still communicate with their guests via the paper. For example to announce a promotion around the holidays.

What trends do we see?

We are also seeing an increase in digital information provision in hotels outside the Netherlands. Hotels are increasingly communicating via tablets or the guest’s own “device”. There, guests will find all hotel facilities, tips about the area and can simultaneously control the lighting, temperature and music in their room. If they have special wishes, they also pass them on to the reception via the tablet.

”Bestaat de kamermap nog in 2025”.

What does our panel say?

If it’s up to hotel professionals, the room folder will disappear. “We are seeing a shift to online information. You can easily adjust it and therefore it is always up-to-date, ”said one of our panel members.

The room folder disappears. Information and communication is faster and better digitally and online. Via various online services, guests can look up what they want to know at any time and indicate their personal wishes and preferences.

That means less paper use, less printing costs and more (personal) service for customers: 3x profit!

More about our panel

Together with a panel of seven different hotel experts, we explore the hotel amenities of the future. In addition, we asked 482 hotel guests in the Netherlands and Belgium for their opinion about these facilities.