Hospitality Magic: How AI and RI Make the Perfect Pair
- Bill Melton

- Oct 2
- 2 min read
In the ever-evolving world of hospitality, where warm smiles and quick thinking reign supreme, a new team member has joined the ranks: Artificial Intelligence. But before we roll out the red carpet for our robot friends, let’s talk about how AI works best when paired with its charming counterpart—Real Intelligence (RI), a.k.a. the human touch. This article started as a simple AI-generated draft. But like any good hospitality experience, it got better with a little human touch. Bill Melton—Owner, hospitality pro, and newsletter wordsmith—jumped in, added his voice, and together we turned a techy idea into a warm, witty (I hope) piece that speaks to the heart of the industry.
AI: The Tireless Assistant
AI doesn’t take coffee breaks or forget to follow up. It can:
• Predict guest preferences before they even check in.
• Automate bookings, confirmations, and even room service requests.
• Analyze feedback faster than you can say “five-star review.”
But AI doesn’t know how to handle a grumpy guest whose favorite pillow is missing. That’s where RI steps in.
RI: The Heart of Hospitality
RI is what makes hospitality… well, hospitable. It’s the instinct to offer a complimentary dessert when a guest has had a rough day. It’s the ability to read between the lines of a vague complaint and turn it into a glowing review. RI knows when to bend the rules, when to listen, and when to laugh. It’s the magic that no algorithm can replicate.

Together, They’re Unstoppable
Imagine this: AI flags a guest as a returning VIP. RI remembers they love extra towels and a quiet room. AI sends a welcome message. RI handwrites a note. The guest? Delighted.
Or: AI notices a dip in bookings. RI brainstorms a themed weekend getaway. AI targets the right audience. RI hosts the event with flair. The result? A packed house and rave reviews.
The Secret Sauce
The real secret isn’t choosing between AI and RI—it’s knowing when to let each shine. AI handles the data. RI handles the drama. AI speeds things up. RI slows things down when it matters. In hospitality, it’s not man vs. machine. It’s man with machine. And together, they’re redefining what it means to be truly guest-centric.
� Ready to Mix AI with RI at Your Property?
Start small: automate one task, personalize one guest experience, and see the magic unfold. Got a story where AI and RI teamed up to wow a guest? Share it with us—we might just feature it in our next issue!








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