4 Tips to Stop Losing Money on Hotel Phones and Start Earning Instead

Discover 4 actionable strategies to reduce hotel phone system costs, replace outdated PBX hardware, and boost revenue with VoIP, SIP trunking, and in-room tablets like SuitePad.

In the first part of our blog series (which you can also download as a whitepaper), we looked at how hotel phone systems are quietly draining thousands of dollars each year while offering little value to guests or staff.

Now, in part two, we’re taking that insight a step further. What if your in-room phones could do more than just sit there? What if they could actually drive revenue, reduce staff workload, and cut maintenance costs?

That’s exactly the kind of shift happening across the hotel industry right now. It starts by asking a simple question: is your current phone setup still worth what you’re paying for it?

Smart Ways to Cut Your Phone Costs

Rethinking is not about squeezing a few more years out of your PBX system or patching over outdated hardware. It's about recognising that traditional phone setups are no longer pulling their weight.

Legacy phone systems come with high maintenance costs, outdated infrastructure, and features guests rarely use.

But there’s a better way.

By shifting to modern, internet-based alternatives, you can retain essential functionality, comply with regulations like Kari’s Law, and eliminate unnecessary expenses. No more bulky hardware, high line rentals, or paying for a system that delivers very little in return. 

Here are four practical strategies to help you make the shift without major investment:

1. Switch to VoIP – Cut Costs & Future-Proof Communication
   Replace outdated PBX systems with internet-based VoIP to eliminate hardware costs, lower maintenance, and scale easily.
   Start here: If your PBX is nearing end-of-life, explore cloud VoIP plans (~$3–$5/room/month) for instant savings.
   
   
2. Add SIP Trunking to Your Existing PBX
   Not ready to ditch the PBX? SIP trunking cuts monthly line fees by routing calls over the internet.
   Start here: Ask your telecom provider about SIP trunking—it’s a fast win that pays off monthly.
   
   
3. Disable External Calling from Guest Rooms
   Most guests use their smartphones anyway. Removing external dialing saves line rental and per-minute charges. 
   Start here: Audit usage logs. If few guests call out, disable external lines—but keep emergency dialing.
   
   
4. Reduce Call Volume with AI or Virtual Receptionists
   Automate common requests (Wi-Fi info, towel requests, etc.) with virtual systems to ease staff workload.
   Start here: Identify your top 5 call types and automate them with a virtual concierge.

Download our free white paper, The Hotelier’s Guide to Hotel Room Phones, for a deeper look at the four strategies covered here—plus even more actionable ways to cut costs and save your hotel over $50,000 a year.

Final Take: Why “Just Cutting Costs” Isn’t Enough

Of course for hotels, reducing expenses is always a priority in this economy but what if you could go a step further and make your guest room communication system a source of value?

Solutions like SuitePad in-room tablets do just that. By replacing the traditional handset with a multi-functional in-room tablet, hotels can reduce routine call volume by up to 90%, increase room service revenue by as much as $11,000 per year, and save up to $33,000 annually through digital housekeeping opt-outs. Plus, SuitePad can eliminate up to $30,000 in telecom infrastructure costs by removing the need for outdated PBX systems entirely.

If you’re exploring options to modernize your phone system, our free white paper, The Hotelier’s Guide to Hotel Room Phones, offers deeper insights, real-world examples, and additional strategies to help you make the shift easier. 

_{Published on 13 June 2025}