--- title: How to Build Better Hotel Wi-Fi | IPTel description: Why hotel Wi-Fi is so often poor, and how better AP placement, a multi-service network and premium tiers build Wi-Fi guests rate. image: https://blog.iptel.com.au/hubfs/Hotel%20Room%20Wi-Fi.jpg --- [![IPTellogo-byline-2020-dark-v2-pnd-optimised-500 (1)](https://blog.iptel.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/IPTellogo-byline-2020-dark-v2-pnd-optimised-500%20(1).png?width=200&height=59&name=IPTellogo-byline-2020-dark-v2-pnd-optimised-500%20(1).png "IPTellogo-byline-2020-dark-v2-pnd-optimised-500 (1)")](https://iptel.com.au) - [Home](https://iptel.com.au/) - [Solutions](https://iptel.com.au/solutions) Technologies - [Cisco Access Manager](https://iptel.com.au/technologies/cisco-access-manager) - [Cisco Catalyst Center](https://iptel.com.au/technologies/cisco-catalyst-center) - [Cisco Meraki](https://iptel.com.au/technologies/cisco-meraki) - [Cisco SDA Fabric](https://iptel.com.au/technologies/cisco-sda-fabric) - [Cisco Spaces](https://iptel.com.au/technologies/cisco-spaces) - [Everpure Storage](https://iptel.com.au/technologies/everpure-storage) - [Industrial IoT](https://iptel.com.au/technologies/industrial-iot) - [LAN](https://iptel.com.au/technologies/lan) - [Security and Cisco ISE](https://iptel.com.au/technologies/security-and-cisco-ise) - [ThousandEyes](https://iptel.com.au/technologies/thousandeyes) - [Virtualisation](https://iptel.com.au/technologies/virtualisation) - [Wi-Fi](https://iptel.com.au/technologies/wi-fi) Services - [Backup Assure](https://iptel.com.au/services/backup-assure) - [Cisco Network Upgrades](https://iptel.com.au/services/cisco-network-upgrades) - [Cisco URWB](https://iptel.com.au/services/cisco-urb) - [Cisco Webex Calling](https://iptel.com.au/services/cisco-webex-calling) - [Eco-Friendly Network Refresh](https://iptel.com.au/services/eco-friendly-network-refresh) - [Network Equipment Supply](https://iptel.com.au/services/network-equipment-supply) - [Splunk](https://iptel.com.au/services/splunk) - [Wi-Fi Assurance Review](https://iptel.com.au/services/wi-fi-assurance-review) - [Wi-Fi Surveys](https://iptel.com.au/services/wi-fi-surveys) - [Industries](https://iptel.com.au/industries) Education and Healthcare - [Education and Campuses](https://iptel.com.au/industries/education) - [Healthcare and Clinical](https://iptel.com.au/industries/healthcare) - [Hospital Wi-Fi Onboarding](https://iptel.com.au/services/hospital-wi-fi-onboarding-cisco-ise) - [Aged Care](https://iptel.com.au/industries/aged-care) Enterprise - [Enterprise Networks](https://iptel.com.au/industries/enterprise) Industrial - [Mining and Camps](https://iptel.com.au/industries/mines) - [Utilities](https://iptel.com.au/industries/utilities) Retail & Warehousing - [Retail](https://iptel.com.au/industries/retail-and-stores) - [Warehousing](https://iptel.com.au/industries/warehousing) Entertainment - [Stadiums](https://iptel.com.au/industries/stadiums) - [Hospitality](https://iptel.com.au/hospitality-and-hotels) - [MSP](https://iptel.com.au/managed-services) Meraki - [Meraki Access](https://iptel.com.au/managed-services/meraki-access-and-security) - [Meraki Security and SD-WAN](https://iptel.com.au/managed-services/meraki-sd-wan) Cisco - [Cisco Campus Access](https://iptel.com.au/managed-services/cisco-campus-access) - [Cisco SD-WAN](https://iptel.com.au/managed-services/cisco-sd-wan) - [Cisco ISE](https://iptel.com.au/managed-services/cisco-ise) Security and Collaboration - [Security Service Edge](https://iptel.com.au/managed-services/security-service-edge) - [Meeting Rooms](https://iptel.com.au/managed-services/meeting-rooms-as-a-service) Data Centre and More - [AI Infrastructure](https://iptel.com.au/managed-services/ai-infrastructure) - [Non-Cisco Devices](https://iptel.com.au/managed-services/non-cisco-device-management) Free Assessment - [Managed Services Assessment](https://score.iptel.com.au/managed-network-services) - [Equipment](https://iptel.com.au/services/network-equipment-supply) Equipment Supply - [Network Equipment Supply](https://iptel.com.au/services/network-equipment-supply) - [Buy Cisco Equipment](https://iptel.com.au/services/cisco-equipment-supply) - [Buy Meraki Equipment](https://iptel.com.au/services/meraki-equipment-supply) Get Pricing - [Get a Hardware Quote](https://iptel.com.au/services/network-equipment-supply#hardware-quote) - [Wi-Fi AP Estimator](https://iptel.com.au/resources/wifi-access-point-estimator) - [Blog](https://blog.iptel.com.au) - [Resources](https://iptel.com.au/resources) Free Resources - [Top Wi-Fi Secrets](https://iptel.com.au/top-8-wi-fi-secrets) - [Cisco SDA Fabric](https://iptel.com.au/the-cios-guide-to-sda-fabric) - [Catalyst Center Enablement](https://iptel.com.au/cisco-catalyst-center-enablement) Assessments - [ASD Essentials Assessment](https://score.iptel.com.au/asd-essentials-network-assessment) - [Cloud AI Assessment](https://score.iptel.com.au/cloud-ai-assessment) - [Collaboration Assessment](https://score.iptel.com.au/collaboration-assessment) - [Managed Services Assessment](https://score.iptel.com.au/managed-network-services) - [Network Assessment](https://score.iptel.com.au/network-assessment) - [Security Assessment](https://score.iptel.com.au/security-assessment) - [Splunk Assessment](https://score.iptel.com.au/splunk-assessment) Tools - [Automating Meraki](https://www.automatingmeraki.com) - [MAC Address Converter](https://iptel.com.au/resources/mac-address-converter) - [ThousandEyes Option Tool](https://score.iptel.com.au/thousandeyes) - [Wi-Fi AP Estimator](https://iptel.com.au/resources/wifi-access-point-estimator) Demos and Design - [Request a Meraki Demo](https://iptel.com.au/free-meraki-demo) - [FREE Meeting Room Design](https://iptel.com.au/schedule-meeting-room-design-session) - [Catalyst Center Enablement](https://iptel.com.au/cisco-catalyst-center-enablement) - [About](https://iptel.com.au/about-us) IPTel Solutions - [About us](https://iptel.com.au/about-us) - [Job Applications](https://careers.iptel.com.au/job-application) - [Privacy Policy](https://iptel.com.au/privacy-policy) - [Careers Blog](https://careers.iptel.com.au) Contact Us - [Contact Us Form](https://iptel.com.au/contact-us) - [Email Us](mailto:sales@iptel.com.au) Customer - [Customer Feedback](https://iptel.com.au/customer-feedback) - [Customer Referral](https://iptel.com.au/customer-referral) - [Terms and Conditions](https://iptel.com.au/terms-and-conditions) News Stories - [Project Guardian uses Networking Infrastructure as a Sensor](https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/transport-for-nsw-launches-worldfirst-sensor-trial-to-stop-rail-and-bridge-trespassers/news-story/8dc52e8fbca4c471da408e670cf0163e) - [IPTel partners for monitoring for Meeting Rooms as a Service](https://www.commsbusiness.co.uk/content/news/highlight-partners-with-iptel-solutions) - [Webex Monitoring with Highlight](https://itbrief.co.uk/story/highlight-iptel-add-webex-monitoring-for-meeting-rooms) - [ITBrief with Meeting Room Monitoring](https://itbrief.com.au/story/highlight-iptel-add-webex-monitoring-for-meeting-rooms) - [Cisco Webex Meeting Rooms Monitoring](https://telconews.co.uk/story/highlight-iptel-add-webex-monitoring-for-meeting-rooms) - [IPTel adopts Highlight](https://itbrief.com.au/story/iptel-adopts-highlight-to-enhance-managed-services) - [Highlight MSP Upgrade](https://datacentre.solutions/news/71753/iptel-solutions-upgrade-with-highlights-service-platform) - [Cisco 360](https://www.crn.com.au/news/2026/networking/aussie-partners-react-cisco-360) - [DP World Transformation](https://www.cisco.com/site/us/en/about/case-studies-customer-stories/dp-world.html) - [Cisco Managed Services](https://www.arnnet.com.au/article/1251771/how-partners-can-take-a-leap-of-faith-with-managed-services.html) - [Project Delivery Excellence](https://channellife.com.au/story/cisco-honours-top-nz-partners-cisco-live) - [Great Place to Work](https://greatplacetowork.com.au/companies/iptel-solutions/) - [Wi-Fi Doesn't have to be Unreliable](https://www.techpartner.news/feature/iptel-wi-fi-doesnt-have-to-be-unreliable-494069) Buying from IPTel - [Buying Panels](https://iptel.com.au/professional-supply-panels) - [IPTel Store](https://store.iptel.com.au) - [Request a Quote](https://iptel.com.au/request-a-quote) - [Managed Services](https://iptel.com.au/managed-services-enquiry) Case Studies - [DP World Video](https://blog.iptel.com.au/hubfs/Case%20Studies/DP%20World_Case_Study.mp4) - [DP World](https://blog.iptel.com.au/dp-world-case-study) - [Backup Assure](https://blog.iptel.com.au/backup-assure-a-disaster-recovery-case-study) [Contact Us](https://iptel.com.au/contact-us) This is a search field with an auto-suggest feature attached. - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. ## How to Build Better Hotel Wi-Fi Sept 25, 2025 Have you ever stayed in a hotel and the Wi-Fi wasn't great? I'll bet the answer is an unqualified yes. I've travelled quite a lot for work, which has given me plenty of opportunity to sample the delights of hotel Wi-Fi. It can be a bit of an inconvenience when you're travelling and you can't access your email - when you *need* to work and have some urgent emails or remote work to do it can be a real problem. ## The Average Hotel Wi-Fi Experience My experience has been that it's pretty patchy and drops out a lot. And often you're paying a pretty high premium to use the hotel Wi-Fi, adding to the irritation. If you're paying a premium for the service, surely they should invest in the best equipment and configuration.  Hotel Wi-Fi *could* delight and really make you want to stay at that hotel again - but why does it so often miss the spot? [![Hotel Wi-Fi Not Working Blog](https://blog.iptel.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Hotel%20Wi-Fi%20Not%20Working%20Blog.png?width=820&height=461&name=Hotel%20Wi-Fi%20Not%20Working%20Blog.png)](https://info.iptel.com.au/top-8-wi-fi-secrets-hospitality) Related reading - [Troubleshooting with Catalyst Center](https://blog.iptel.com.au/troubleshooting-with-cisco-catalyst-center) - [Wi-Fi Terminology](https://blog.iptel.com.au/wi-fi-terminology) - [Copper vs Fibre](https://blog.iptel.com.au/copper-vs-fibre) --- ## Reasons Hotel Wi-Fi is Poor I think from what I've observed, there are a number of reasons that Hotel Wi-Fi doesn't perform that well: - **Expense:** This has to be high up the list on the reason for not deploying more APs, designing the network properly or buying enterprise grade equipment - **Difficulty with Cabling:** Also high up the list – there’s cabling to the TV point typically, but not in the hallways and other places that would be good locations to install an access point - **Not Enough APs:** One of the main reasons for the patchy coverage and devices dropping out – [there’s just not enough APs](https://blog.iptel.com.au/increasing-access-point-density)! - **Poor Design:** Using proper [RF predictive surveys and onsite surveys](https://blog.iptel.com.au/wireless-pre-install-surveys) ensures even coverage and a predictable service - **Complex Sign up:** You just want it to be easy to sign up once you're in your room... and sometimes it most definitely isn't! If these are the issues and the common reasons that hotels don't upgrade their Wi-Fi, what are the solutions? Let's take a look. Related reading - [Wi-Fi Predictive Designs](https://blog.iptel.com.au/wifi-predictive-survey-wifi-heatmaps) - [Wi-Fi Assurance Review](https://blog.iptel.com.au/wifi-assurance-review) --- ## How to Improve Hotel Wi-Fi To overcome the coverage issues, one hotel I stayed at had installed a home brand AP in each room. It's one strategy to ensure coverage, but it has drawbacks - and there are a few things you need to get right: ![Free Hotel Wi-Fi image](https://blog.iptel.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Free_WiFi.png?width=300&height=287&name=Free_WiFi.png) - **Not being Centrally controlled and Managed**: Each AP is autonomous, so you can end up with overlapping signals from APs (access points) and the network not operating as a whole - Correct AP Density: Particularly important to take into account the devices the guests use - and the fact we all carry around more devices these days. - Correct Transmit Power: [The Wi-Fi and the Cinema Story](https://blog.iptel.com.au/wifi-and-the-cinema-story) explains about the right transmit power that's needed to make all these devices work properly. There's no easy way around providing good Wi-Fi coverage - you just have to have enough APs, and coverage has to be designed for the end devices you want to support. The exact number of course is down to the design - many hotels may well have bought from the cheapest vendor, using the minimum number of APs - it's a short sighted approach though, as the coverage is poor and the customers are frustrated by the experience. Our [Top 8 Secrets to Great Wi-Fi eBook](https://blog.iptel.com.au/top-8-secrets-to-great-wi-fi) might be of interest here - we cover a bunch of the common Wi-Fi issues and mistakes in there. Wi-Fi design is complex - getting RF right, as well as ensuring the relevant services you want to deploy all work as you hope they will is not an easy task. If you're interested in a bit more reading around the typical things that affect Wi-Fi, have a read of the [30 Technical Wi-Fi Thoughts, by George Stefanick.](https://blog.iptel.com.au/30-technical-wifi-thoughts) Related reading - [Wi-Fi Grades](https://blog.iptel.com.au/wi-fi-grades) - [Wi-Fi Concepts](https://blog.iptel.com.au/wi-fi-terminology) - [Wi-Fi Surveys](https://blog.iptel.com.au/wi-fi-surveys) - [Wi-Fi and the Cinema Story](https://blog.iptel.com.au/wifi-and-the-cinema-story) --- ## Hotel Wi-Fi: Multi service Network If done properly, you can use the same network for multiple services - if the hotel has paid for the deployment of all those APs, you can get some added value from them. Staff can use Wi-Fi phones for both communication and paging. How about some location tracking to know where the cleaning or security staff are located, or to be able to track an asset. Ability to use task management software, coupled with knowing the location of key assets has a lot of opportunity to improve hotel operations. ![Hotel Room Wi-Fi](https://blog.iptel.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Hotel%20Room%20Wi-Fi.jpg?width=600&height=400&name=Hotel%20Room%20Wi-Fi.jpg) Related reading - [AP Placement - Location Grade Wi-Fi Tracking](https://blog.iptel.com.au/ap-placement-location-grade) - [RF Power Tuning](https://blog.iptel.com.au/access-point-power-caps) --- ## Premium Hotel Wi-Fi Premium hotel Wi-Fi can mean a few different things, but typically means you'll get higher download speeds, protected with Quality of Service to ensure the experience is a good one. More modern hotels have Wi-Fi features that let you connect and stream your own Netflix or music - these are the hotels that are a 'home from home' and are really excelling in keeping their customers happy and loyal. There's a lot that can be value added, once the network is working correctly - however the base lesson is to use enough APs. Hotels have seen that customers vote with their feet, choosing a hotel with Wi-Fi above those without - the next upgrade hotels can offer is consistent Wi-Fi that works properly, with a good level of service for streaming. Related reading - [Wi-Fi Predictive Designs](https://blog.iptel.com.au/wifi-predictive-survey-wifi-heatmaps) - [Wi-Fi Assurance Review](https://blog.iptel.com.au/wifi-assurance-review) - [Wi-Fi 6E and 6GHz Explained](https://blog.iptel.com.au/wi-fi-6e-and-6ghz-explained) - [Wi-Fi 6 vs 5G](https://blog.iptel.com.au/cisco-private-5g) - [Wi-Fi Surveys: Overview to Wi-Fi Survey types](https://blog.iptel.com.au/wi-fi-surveys) --- ## Hotel Wi-Fi: FAQs ### Why Is Hotel Wi-Fi Often Poor? Common reasons are corridor-only AP placement, too few APs, limited internet bandwidth and networks designed on price rather than guest needs. ### Should Hotel APs Go in Rooms or Corridors? In-room or wall-plate APs usually give better coverage and capacity than corridor-only designs, which struggle to reach through room walls and bathrooms. ### What Is a Multi-Service Hotel Network? One network carrying guest Wi-Fi alongside staff devices, point-of-sale, IPTV and building systems, kept separate with VLANs and policy. ### What Is Premium Hotel Wi-Fi? A paid or loyalty tier with higher bandwidth, offered alongside standard free Wi-Fi. --- ## How to Build Better Hotel Wi-Fi: Summary The key point on how to build better hotel Wi-Fi is to [undertake RF design surveys](https://blog.iptel.com.au/wifi-predictive-survey-wifi-heatmaps). It's a simple point, but makes all the difference - guessing about the location of access points is the exact reason that so many hotels have such a poor experience. It's becoming increasingly important for hotels too - the need to offer great Wi-Fi to customers is paramount: customers vote with their feet and [Wi-Fi is one of those expectations that a lot of travellers have these days](https://blog.iptel.com.au/in-flight-wifi). Hopefully this blog has provided some useful technical pointers - the business benefits of good Wi-Fi are clear though: a more loyal clientele who choose to stay in your hotel, because the Wi-Fi is good.  ### Need Help With Your Wi-Fi? Our [Wi-Fi survey and design team](https://iptel.com.au/services/wi-fi-surveys) designs, surveys and fixes enterprise Wi-Fi across Australia, and the free [AP Estimator](https://iptel.com.au/resources/wifi-access-point-estimator) gives you a first AP count. If that would be useful, [get in touch with the IPTel team](https://iptel.com.au/contact-us) or email [sales@iptel.com.au](mailto:sales@iptel.com.au). #### Related Articles ###### [Bringing Our Wi-Fi Expertise to the Home](https://blog.iptel.com.au/bringing-our-wifi-expertise-to-the-home) June 9, 2026 ###### [Wi-Fi Troubleshooting Part 1: How to Review a Wi-Fi Installation](https://blog.iptel.com.au/how-to-review-a-wifi-installation-part-1) June 3, 2026 ###### [Ekahau Site Survey](https://blog.iptel.com.au/ekahau-site-survey) Sept 3, 2025 Free tool ### How Many Wi-Fi Access Points Do You Need? Work out APs, PoE and switch ports floor by floor, using the same survey grades our Cisco wireless engineers design to. Takes under a minute. [Try the AP Estimator →](https://iptel.com.au/resources/wifi-access-point-estimator?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=cta&utm_campaign=ap-estimator) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "IPTel Solutions", "url" : "https://blog.iptel.com.au/author/iptel-solutions" }, "dateModified" : "2026-10-03T07:44:09.293Z", "datePublished" : "2025-09-25T04:43:43.000Z", "headline" : "How to Build Better Hotel Wi-Fi | IPTel", "image" : [ "https://blog.iptel.com.au/hubfs/Hotel%20Room%20Wi-Fi.jpg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.iptel.com.au/how-to-build-better-hotel-wi-fi", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://blog.iptel.com.au/hubfs/IPTel_Solutions_February2020%20-%20Header%20SiteMap/Images/IPTellogo-byline-2020-dark-v2.png" }, "name" : "IPTel Solutions Pty Ltd" } } ```