By Mark Mayne, Technology Writer
Charging a smartphone is a daily task and it’s even more important when we’re traveling. Indeed, according to the Pew Research Center [1], the share of Americans that own a smartphone is now 85%. In the UK, meanwhile, 95% of people aged between 16 and 34, and 55% aged 55 or older, own a smartphone [2].
These stats highlight what hotels have known for some time - that having somewhere convenient to charge a phone (or other electronic device) is just as important for guest happiness as access to fast Wi-Fi and a good breakfast. It’s why phone charging stations (aka USB charging stations) are growing in popularity.
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But what does one look like? You might be surprised to learn that there are a variety of different options available for a variety of different needs.
There are many different types of USB charging station
A phone charging station is usually a retro-fit device that can add extra power outlets, USB and even wireless charging options to a room. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Instead, there are a number of different charging station options that hotels can explore to fit their individual size, cost and functionality requirements.
For example, the Brandstand Cubie (US only) is a standalone unit designed to charge multiple devices, incorporating three power outlets and four USB charging ports (optimized for tablet charging), as well as a pass-through plug for easy installation.
An alarm clock charging station takes this concept a step further, combining a modern digital alarm clock with extra power outlets and USB ports. Ideal for hotel rooms, the Brandstand CubieWink offers a compact charging alarm clock option with two USB connections. While the larger CubieBlue model blends power outlets and USB ports with a Bluetooth speaker, enabling guests to wirelessly stream their favorite music. It’s the clock radio reinvented.
Moving the concept another step forward, there are also cell phone charging station products that include wireless charging technology. A model such as the Brandstand CubieTrio packs everything we’ve talked about here into one do-it-all device - a digital alarm clock, Qi Wireless charging, 2x power outlets and 2x USB charging ports. Don’t need the alarm clock functionality? The CubiePoint Qi Wireless charging pad has you covered.
Multi-device charging stations are safe and reliable
Guest safety is one of the main priorities for the hospitality industry. So, with this in mind, hotels should look for products that have built-in surge protection as standard, a circuit breaker (if possible), while tamper resistant receptacles are a welcome bonus.
Any multi-device USB charging stations should also meet strict international safety standards. All Brandstand products are safety tested to meet UL standards. US products meet UL 962A for Furniture Power Distribution Units and UL 1449 for Surge Protection Devices Standard. Internationally, Brandstand’s 230V products (for Europe, the UK and the Middle East) meet IEC62368.
If safety is a hotel’s priority, durability is also high up on the list. When hotels invest in any new product, they want it to last. It’s why all of the products in the Brandstand Cubie range are designed to cope with the rigors of hospitality use, molded in hard-wearing ABS plastic, and featuring a proven set of features specifically tailored to hotel guests.
Adding a phone charging station adds value
The advantages of a charging station for hotels are that it’s easy to fit, simple to maintain, and it avoids any costly renovation work. It’s also more convenient for anybody who uses it. Rather than adding a single outlet to a room, an alarm clock charging station offers different power options to suit all hotel guests, whether they want to charge a laptop or juice up an Apple Watch.
The advantages of a charging station for guests are that it’s convenient, useful and something they might not expect. After all, hotel guests tend to love complimentary items such as shampoo, shower gel and snacks, and they appreciate thoughtful in-room amenities like hair dryers, curling irons and free Wi-Fi. So, providing an easy and convenient way for guests to charge their favorite devices is a smart investment and one that will pay dividends today and well into the future.
Discover Brandstand’s range of multi-device charging alarm clocks.
Other posts you might like:
- Goodbye clock radio, hello charging alarm clock
- The rise of wireless charging furniture
- How to make charging easy for your hotel guests
References:
[1] https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/fact-sheet/mobile/
[2] https://www.statista.com/statistics/289167/mobile-phone-penetration-in-the-uk/