“I Didn’t Set Out to Become an IT Expert… I Just Needed My Hotel to Run Better”
Perspective: General Manager
Recently, I was speaking with a client, the General Manager of a hotel in Colorado. As we talked through his challenges, priorities, and day-to-day realities, one thing became clear: he never set out to become an IT expert. He just needed his hotel to run better.
What he shared stuck with me, because it’s a story we hear often in hospitality.
As a hotel decision-maker, his priorities were simple on paper: deliver exceptional guest experiences, keep operations running smoothly, protect the business, and control costs. Technology touched every one of those goals, but for years, IT felt like a constant source of friction instead of an advantage.
Front desk systems slowed down during peak check-in. Wi-Fi complaints showed up in guest reviews. Security requirements kept changing. Phone systems and emergency services raised compliance questions. And when something broke, he was stuck translating hotel needs into IT language and hoping for the best.
That changed when he partnered with SkyTide Group.
What he shared next was his story, in his own words, and it perfectly captured what hotel leaders experience when technology finally starts working for them instead of against them.
The Reality of Hotel IT: It’s All Connected (Whether You Like It or Not)
In hospitality, IT isn’t a single system, it’s an ecosystem:
- Property Management Systems (PMS)
- Point‑of‑Sale (POS) systems
- Guest Wi‑Fi and networking
- Security cameras and access control
- Phones and emergency services (including Ray Baum’s Act compliance)
- Back‑office systems for accounting, HR, and management
When one piece struggles, the guest feels it. SkyTide understood this immediately. They didn’t just ask what software we used… they asked how our hotel actually operated.
Reliable Infrastructure: The Foundation We Were Missing
Before SkyTide, we were constantly reacting:
- Internet outages during conferences
- Slow Wi‑Fi during high occupancy
- Network issues that disrupted front desk workflows
SkyTide rebuilt our infrastructure with hospitality in mind:
- Redesigned our network for guest and staff traffic separation
- Improved Wi‑Fi reliability across rooms, common areas, and event spaces
- Implemented proactive monitoring so issues were addressed before guests noticed
The result? Fewer complaints, smoother operations, and staff who stopped bracing for system failures.
Guest Experience Improved, Without Guests Ever Seeing the IT
The best hospitality IT is invisible to guests — it just works.
SkyTide helped us:
- Deliver fast, consistent guest Wi‑Fi
- Ensure PMS and POS systems stayed online during peak times
- Support mobile check‑in and modern guest expectations
Guest satisfaction scores improved, and technology quietly became a strength instead of a liability.
Technology That Supports Staff, Not Just Systems
In hospitality, staff turnover is a reality, and technology shouldn’t make it harder. SkyTide helped simplify systems so new hires could get up to speed quickly, access was easy to manage, and day-to-day tasks didn’t require workarounds. Onboarding and offboarding became straightforward, permissions were clearly defined, and our employees spent less time fighting systems and more time serving guests. For a General Manager, that operational ease made a measurable difference.
GM Takeaway: When technology is simple and reliable, staff training time drops, frustration goes down and guest service improves.
Security & Compliance Without the Fear Factor
Hotels are prime targets for cyber threats; credit card data, personal information and always‑on systems make that clear.
SkyTide brought structure and confidence:
- Implemented layered cybersecurity protections
- Strengthened access controls for staff systems
- Ensured backups and disaster recovery plans were in place
- Addressed Ray Baum’s Act compliance for our phone systems
Instead of wondering “Are we exposed?” and “What should I do?”, I finally had clear answers, and a partner accountable for keeping us protected.
Business Continuity: When Something Happens, We Keep Operating
Just as important as what we changed was how we changed it.
Even though the improvements we needed were significant, SkyTide never approached them as a disruptive overhaul. Every change was carefully planned, scheduled around our downtime or off-season, and broken into manageable phases.
That meant:
- No overwhelming all-at-once transitions
- No major projects during peak occupancy
- No surprises for staff or guests
Each step built on the last, allowing our team to adapt comfortably while the hotel continued operating smoothly. We always knew what was coming next, why it mattered, and how it fit into the bigger picture.
So when something did happen, it wasn’t chaos — it was execution.
A Partner Who Speaks Hospitality, Not Just IT
What set SkyTide apart wasn’t just technical expertise — it was perspective.
They understood:
- Downtime equals lost revenue
- Guest experience is everything
- Staff turnover requires simple, repeatable processes
- Hotel leadership needs clarity, not jargon
Instead of chasing vendors and troubleshooting problems myself, I gained a strategic partner who aligned IT with business goals.
The Outcome: IT That Supports the Hotel, Not the Other Way Around
With SkyTide Group, our hotel now has:
- Stable, scalable IT infrastructure
- Proactive support instead of reactive fixes
- Strong cybersecurity and compliance confidence
- Technology that enhances guest experience
- Clear visibility into costs and future planning
Most importantly, I can focus on running the hotel — not managing IT fires.
Our Offices & Service Areas
SkyTide Group supports hotels across multiple regions, delivering consistent, hospitality-focused IT services with a strong local presence.
We maintain offices and teams strategically located to serve our clients efficiently, including:
- Colorado – Supporting hotels throughout mountain, resort, and metro areas
- Wisconsin – Serving hospitality businesses across the state
While we have regional offices, our service model is designed to support single-location hotels, multi-property groups, and regional brands wherever they operate. Our team understands the unique demands of seasonal properties, resort destinations, and high-occupancy environments.
No matter the location, our approach stays the same: proactive support, hospitality-aware planning, and technology that works quietly in the background.
Why Hotels Choose SkyTide Group
SkyTide doesn’t offer one‑size‑fits‑all IT. They deliver hospitality‑focused managed IT services designed to support:
- Guest satisfaction
- Operational efficiency
- Security and compliance
- Scalable growth
If you’re a hotel decision‑maker looking to turn technology into a competitive advantage instead of a constant concern, SkyTide Group understands exactly what you’re facing.
