If you’ve ever stayed at a hotel and noticed a small, discreet white box with the Relay logo mounted on a wall or ceiling, you might have wondered, “What is this thing?”
Known as a Relay Bluetooth Beacon, this device is part of the hotel’s cutting-edge safety and communication system for its staff. These Relay-branded white boxes allow employees to locate one another within the hotel throughout the day or during an emergency response.
Relay Bluetooth Beacons cannot track or listen to guests since they only pair with the hotel staff’s two-way radios.
Let’s explore what this “relay white box in the hotel room” does, why it’s there, and address any privacy concerns you may have.
Does the Relay Bluetooth Beacon Affect Me as a Guest?
As a guest, you might be concerned about how these Relay white boxes interact with your stay. The good news is that Relay Bluetooth Beacons are entirely focused on employee safety and have no impact on your personal devices, such as smartphones or laptops. Here’s why:
- No Guest Interaction: The beacons only communicate with Relay devices used by employees. They do not interfere with other Bluetooth-enabled devices in the area.
- No Data Collection: These beacons do not collect any guest personal information or track guest movements. Their sole purpose is to provide location data for the hotel’s internal operations.
In other words, the presence of a Relay Bluetooth Beacon in your hotel room is a testament to the hotel’s commitment to safety, not an intrusion into your privacy.
Is the Relay Bluetooth Beacon Listening to Me?
One of the most common concerns is whether these devices are capable of recording conversations or listening in on guests. Let us put your mind at ease: Relay Bluetooth Beacons are not microphones or recording devices.
These beacons rely on Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology, which is specifically designed to transmit small packets of data. This technology is not equipped for audio recording or surveillance. The data transmitted is limited to what’s needed for location purposes—nothing more.
By design, these devices prioritize safety and operational efficiency without compromising guest privacy.
What Does the Relay Bluetooth Beacon Do?
Relay Bluetooth Beacons, just one part of Relay’s comprehensive solution for frontline workers, are designed for precise indoor positioning, offering room-level location accuracy. Think of it as the indoor equivalent of GPS. While GPS satellites help pinpoint locations outdoors, these beacons perform the same function within the hotel’s walls.
The beacons use BLE technology to transmit short bursts of data at regular intervals. Relay devices worn by hotel employees receive this information to determine their exact location within the building. This capability is invaluable in scenarios such as:
- Emergency Response: During a crisis, such as when an employee triggers their panic button, the system can pinpoint an employee’s location to provide timely assistance.
- Operational Coordination: Staff members can locate each other efficiently to ensure smooth operations throughout the day.
In short, Relay Bluetooth Beacons are an essential tool for enhancing both safety and efficiency in hotel environments.
Watch how Relay Bluetooth Beacons are set up and used to send an employee’s location when the panic button has been triggered.
Why Are Relay Beacons Important for Hotels?
Hotels are bustling environments with employees often spread across multiple floors and departments. Ensuring the safety and well-being of these employees is a top priority, with many states and hotel brands mandating that all housekeepers and other on-property workers are equipped with safety alert devices.
Relay Bluetooth Beacons play a crucial role in this effort by:
- Improving Emergency Preparedness: Whether it’s a medical emergency or another urgent situation, knowing exactly where an employee is located can save valuable time.
- Streamlining Operations: Housekeeping, maintenance, and security teams can work more effectively with the ability to locate and coordinate with colleagues in real time.
- Enhancing Employee Safety: For employees working in isolated areas of the hotel, such as storage rooms or parking facilities, the beacon system provides an added layer of security and confidence.
By enabling precise location tracking, these beacons contribute to a safer and more efficient workplace for hotel staff.
Read how Fairfield and TownePlace Suites of Norfolk has used Relay’s beacon-enabled panic solution during emergencies to respond quicker and keep its staff and guests safe.
Conclusion: The Relay White Box in Your Hotel Room is Nothing to Worry About
The next time you spot a Relay-branded “white box” in your hotel room, you can rest easy knowing it’s there to support the hardworking employees who make your stay comfortable and safe. These Relay Bluetooth Beacons are part of a sophisticated system designed to improve safety, streamline operations, and enhance the overall hotel experience.
Most importantly, these beacons are not listening devices or guest trackers. Their sole purpose is to provide precise indoor location data for employee use. So, whether you’re enjoying a weekend getaway or traveling for business, the Relay Bluetooth Beacon is one small, discreet component of a hotel’s commitment to safety and efficiency.
