Mobile ordering isn’t just a convenience anymore, it’s an expectation.By Graham Rushin, VP Sales and Marketing at IRIS – 10.9.2025
As hotels prepare their budgets for 2026, leaders are under pressure to maximize returns on every investment. Today’s operators are looking for solutions that don’t just cut costs – they drive measurable revenue, streamline operations, and elevate the guest experience.
One of the smartest investments you can make this budget season is a digital F&B ordering platform. It’s one of those rare solutions where a relatively small outlay can have a big impact, transforming operations and unlocking new revenue opportunities.
Here, IRIS, the global leader in digital F&B ordering and guest experience solutions for hotels, outline how to approach the decision strategically.
Why digital F&B ordering deserves a place in your 2026 budget
Mobile ordering isn’t just a convenience anymore, it’s an expectation. Guests are increasingly accustomed to seamless, digital services. Hotels that meet this expectation see:
- Higher guest spend: Upsell prompts and accessibility lead to more revenue per guest.
- Faster, smarter service: Orders go directly to the kitchen POS or bar, reducing customer wait times and staff workload.
- Happier teams: With fewer manual tasks, your staff can focus on hospitality instead of administration.
IRIS clients, for example, report 20–40% increases in average transaction value and delivery time savings of over 10 minutes per order. That’s a direct, measurable impact on profitability and efficiency.
Key factors to consider when choosing a platform
Not all solutions are created equal. As you evaluate vendors, prioritize platforms that deliver:
- Proven ROI: Look for case studies and data that demonstrate proven revenue uplift.
- Seamless guest experience: Intuitive, branded interfaces that make it easy for guests to browse, order, and pay.
- Operational fit: Integrations with your PMS/POS and flexibility to work across room service, poolside, M&E, and lobby outlets.
- Real-time reporting: Dashboards that help you monitor order volumes, adjust menus, and optimize pricing dynamically.
- Scalability: A platform that can grow with your portfolio and evolve as guest expectations change.
Making the business case
When presenting to ownership or senior stakeholders, emphasize the platform’s ability to:
- Increase revenue per occupied room (through upselling and expanded F&B access)
- Optimize labor usage (serving more guests without adding headcount)
- Enhance guest satisfaction (leading to stronger reviews and repeat bookings)
Frame it as a revenue-generating tool, not just a cost. The right technology often pays for itself within months.
Final thoughts
Budget season is about making smart bets that move your business forward. A digital F&B ordering platform is one of those rare solutions that improves the guest experience, drives higher spend, and streamlines operations.
If you haven’t yet explored mobile ordering, now is the time. The hotels that invest today will be the ones leading the market in 2026 and beyond.
To help with your research, IRIS has created a practical buyers guide that highlights the essential considerations when selecting a platform. Download the guide today here or click here to schedule a consultation with a member of our team.
Graham Rushin is VP Sales and Marketing at IRIS. IRIS is one of the top Microsoft Azure partners in the UK and has enabled 1000’s properties across the globe to deliver an innovative digital guest experience, including many of the world’s top hotel chains such as Marriott, Hilton, Mandarin Oriental, IHG and Four Seasons. Graham started out his career as an electronics engineer but soon discovered he enjoyed the IT sector and helping customers navigate through the world of all things IT. He joined IRIS in 2012 having spent the best part of 20 years in the hospitality space as a vendor across PMS and POS products. At IRIS, his core role is leading sales and marketing and managing the wonderful major account partnerships.
Are you an industry thought leader with a point of view on hotel technology that you would like to share with our readers? If so, we invite you to review our editorial guidelines and submit your article for publishing consideration.
Appeared first on: hoteltechnologynews.com
