WiFi Discussions: The Corridor or In-Room Debate?

In hospitality, reliable Wi-Fi is no longer a nice-to-have—it's a must-have. Whether for business, streaming, or smart room tech, guests expect seamless connectivity from check-in to check-out. But for hoteliers, a crucial infrastructure decision still lingers: Do you install access points (APs) in corridors to serve multiple rooms, or place them directly in each guest room?

The corridor vs. in-room Wi-Fi debate isn’t just about technology—it’s about guest satisfaction, operational efficiency, and your hotel's long-term competitiveness.

Guest using Hotel Wi-Fi In-Room

This article explores both sides of this debate and offers guidance on creating smarter, more effective WiFi strategies—especially in hotels and business environments.

Corridor vs. In-Room Wi-Fi: What’s the Difference?

Corridor Wi-Fi positions access points in hallways or shared spaces to broadcast into nearby rooms.
In-room Wi-Fi places a dedicated AP inside each room, delivering direct, localised connectivity.

Corridor-based setups have been common for years, largely because of lower installation costs. But as guest expectations and device usage have evolved, many hotels are questioning whether that model still holds up.

Guest Expectations and Performance

Today’s guests travel with multiple devices, stream HD content, join video calls, and increasingly expect to control smart room features—all without connectivity hiccups.

Corridor setups often struggle to meet these demands. Signal loss through walls, interference from nearby rooms, and weak coverage in room corners can quickly turn into guest complaints.

"The best way to maximise Wi-Fi is to install Wi-Fi where you are going to use it most."

In contrast, in-room Wi-Fi solutions offer stronger, more consistent coverage exactly where it's needed—right next to your guests. This results in faster speeds, better device support, and fewer frustrating dead zones.

The difference? Happier guests, fewer support calls, and improved reviews.

Installation, Cost, and Flexibility

While corridor-based deployments can reduce upfront costs, they may lead to long-term headaches: more guest complaints, higher maintenance, and costly retrofits down the line.

Modern hotel room Wi-Fi solutions, especially those designed with scalability in mind, minimize these risks. With the right partner, in-room deployments can be cost-effective, future-proof, and easily managed.

Many hotels are now opting for WiFi as a Service (WaaS)—a flexible, subscription-based model that covers hardware, installation, support, and upgrades. This approach delivers predictable costs, removes technical burdens, and keeps your network ready for evolving demands like Wi-Fi 6 or 7.

Security and Network Control

Security is another crucial factor. Corridor APs serving multiple rooms complicate device isolation, increasing the risk of data breaches or cross-room access.

In-room setups allow for more granular control, with guests easily segmented onto private, secure networks. This is especially important as the number of connected devices per guest room continues to grow.

Why More Hotels Are Turning to Siemlus

Partnering with Siemlus unlocks cutting-edge connectivity that transforms how businesses operate and how guests stay connected.

Our tailored hotel Wi-Fi solutions and business Wi-Fi services enhance collaboration, elevate guest experiences, and streamline operations. But we don’t stop at installation. With 24/7/365 support and a team of in-house Wi-Fi specialists, we provide reliable setup, ongoing network management, and proactive monitoring—all tailored to your specific needs.

Whether you're upgrading outdated infrastructure or building from scratch, Siemlus ensures your Wi-Fi works where it matters most—right where your guests use it.

Conclusion

The decision between corridor and in-room Wi-Fi isn’t just about cables, access points, or installation costs—it’s about how your hotel delivers on guest expectations in a hyper-connected world.

Corridor installations might seem cost-effective at first glance, but they can quickly turn into a source of guest frustration, patchy coverage, and a steady stream of IT headaches. In-room Wi-Fi, on the other hand, places connectivity exactly where it belongs—right alongside your guests. The result? Faster speeds, stronger signals, better security, and a seamless digital experience that reflects positively on your brand.

For many hotels, this shift requires more than just upgraded hardware. It demands a partner who understands the unique challenges of hospitality and can deliver reliable, future-proof solutions.

That’s where Siemlus comes in. We help hotels transform connectivity from a common complaint into a competitive advantage. From tailored hotel Wi-Fi solutions to full WiFi as a Service models, we supply, install, and support networks that work—day in, day out.

Corridor conversations reveal the problems. In-room discussions solve them.

Is your hotel Wi-Fi strategy hearing both?

✅ Discover how to turn guest complaints into strategic upgrades.