Where to Install Charging Stations a Hotel: A Strategic Guide for Hospitality Facilities

Electric vehicle charging at hotels is no longer just an additional service, but an increasingly important factor in guests’ choice of hotel. Installing a charging station, however, requires careful planning: the location of the infrastructure affects guest convenience, installation costs,the system’s efficiency, and the quality of the overall experience. Let’s take a look at the key factors to consider when deciding where to place Charging Stations a hotel.

Analyze the hotel's needs before installation

There is no single ideal location that works for every facility: the choice depends on the type of hotel, the guest profile, and the intended use. A business hotel, for example, needs easily accessible charging stations for guests who stay only a few hours, while a resort or tourist facility may prioritize charging during overnight stays, when the vehicle remains parked for many consecutive hours.

Before designing the system, it is advisable to evaluate several key factors: the number of rooms and available parking spaces, the average length of stay, the availability of private parking, the expected number of guests with electric vehicles, and the potential to expand the service in the future. A well-thought-out design allows for the creation of an infrastructure tailored to current needs but ready to grow alongside the expansion of electric mobility.

The most strategic location: main entrance and parking lot

Placing a few charging stations in a visible area, such as the main parking lot or nearthe entrance, turns charging into a valuable asset from a marketing perspective as well. A well-placed charging station immediately conveys the hotel’s commitment to sustainability, innovation, and responsiveness to travelers’ evolving needs—a competitive advantage that can attract electric vehicle owners, environmentally conscious guests, and an increasing number of international tourists.

There is also a practical aspect that should not be overlooked: its proximity to the entrance makes the service immediately recognizable and simplifies arrival, check-in, and parking procedures, thereby improving the guest’s first impression.

Garages and covered parking lots: a solution particularly well-suited for overnight charging

When available, underground garages, covered parking lots, or sheltered areas are often a particularly suitable solution for charging during a stay. Covered areas primarily offer protection from the elements: guests can plug in and unplug their vehicles without being exposed to rain, snow, or extreme temperatures, which directly enhances their comfort.

Added to this is a greater sense of security, because covered areas are generally better monitored and provide peace of mind to those who leave their cars charging overnight. The end result is a more convenient experience: the customer arrives at the hotel, plugs in the vehicle, and sets off the next day with the necessary range, without having to worry about a thing.

Proximity to the electrical panel: a key factor

From a technical standpoint, one of the most important considerations is the distance between the charging stations and the main electrical panel. Installing the infrastructure near the power source reduces the amount of cabling, lowers installation costs, simplifies infrastructure work, and improves the system’s overall efficiency. For this reason, during the technical site survey, it is essential to assess not only the available space but also the facility’s power configuration.

Managing Available Power with Load Management

The availability of electricity is another factor to consider right from the design phase. Load management systems automatically distribute power among the various charging stations and the hotel’s other energy consumers, preventing overloads and optimizing the system’s use.

This often makes it possible to install multiple charging stations while optimizing the available power and, in some cases, avoiding the need to increase the contracted power capacity, thereby keeping costs down and ensuring reliable service even during peak demand.

How many charging stations should be installed in a hotel?

The number of charging stations needed depends on the size of the facility and the characteristics of the guests. It is not always necessary to install many right away: a more effective strategy is to design a modular system that can be expanded in the future as demand grows.

The factors to consider include the number of available parking spaces, the projected percentage of guests with electric vehicles, the available electrical capacity, and how demand is likely to evolve in the coming years. Proper planning prevents unnecessary investments and allows the hotel to gradually adapt to the growth of electric mobility, without oversizing the system from the very beginning.

Choosing the Most Suitable Hardware

The choiceof charging hardware directly affects the quality of service and the overall investment. In most hotels, alternating current (AC) charging stations are the most suitable solution because they allow guests to charge their vehicles during their stay or while parked for an extended period, with low installation and operating costs.

For many hospitality facilities, 11-kW or 22-kW AC charging solutions offer a good balance between charging times, costs, and energy availability. DC charging infrastructure, on the other hand, is better suited for settings with short stays or high customer turnover, where faster charging is necessary. The choice should take into account the average length of stay, the available power, and the level of service the facility wishes to offer.

Designing Charging Stations Properly

The charging station is only part of the infrastructure: the charging area itself must also be carefully designed to ensure convenience, safety, and accessibility. It is important to provide sufficiently wide charging bays with adequate space to connect the cable, a layout compatible with various vehicle models, and a design that also takes into account the needs of people with disabilities, facilitating access and the charging process.

Clear horizontal and vertical signage also helps to correctly identify these spaces, reducing the risk that they will be occupied by non-electric vehicles—a phenomenon known as “ICEing”—which can compromise the effectiveness of the service.

Charging Management: A Service That Continues After Installation

A truly professional solution goes beyond simply installing the charging station; it also includes the day-to-day management of the service. A hotel should consider infrastructure monitoring , access management, payment systems, technical support, and integrating charging into the property’s communications.

Listing the service on the hotel's website and booking platforms also makes it possible to attract users searching for accommodations that support electric vehicles, turning a technical detail into a real marketing tool.

Turn your hotel into an EV-friendly property with Powy

Electric vehicle charging presents a new opportunity for the hospitality industry: it enhances the guest experience, reinforces the property’s commitment to sustainability, and helps attract a growing customer base.

Powy hotels at every stage of the project, from the initial assessment of the spaces to the design, installation, and management of the charging infrastructure. Thanks to the Powy app, guests can easily and quickly locate a charging station, start charging, and complete payment.

Various partnership options are available for lodging facilities, with solutions that can be customized based on the hotel’s needs, available space, and service objectives. The Powy network Powy over 2,400 charging stations in Italy and is also accessible to users of other operators thanks to roaming agreements.

Contact us to find out which Powy solution is Powy suited for your lodging facility.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Installing Charging Stations Hotels

How many Charging Stations in a hotel?

There is no standard number that applies to all facilities. The ideal number depends on the number of available parking spaces, the guest profile, the expected adoption rate of electric vehicles, and the possibility of expanding the system in the future. A modular design allows you to start with an appropriate number of charging points and increase that number over time.

Is it necessary to increase the hotel's electrical capacity to install the charging stations?

Not always. Thanks to dynamic load management systems, it is possible to intelligently distribute the available energy among the charging stations and the facility’s other power consumers, preventing overloads and optimizing the existing system.

What type of water dispenser is best suited for a hotel?

For most lodging facilities, alternating current (AC) charging solutions are the most suitable, as they allow vehicles to be charged during extended stays, such as overnight stays. Direct current (DC) charging solutions may be worth considering for hotels with guests passing through or who need faster charging.

Where is the best place to install Charging Stations a hotel?

The ideal location depends on the facility, but it is generally advisable to choose areas that are easily accessible and visible, such as main parking lots, areas near the entrance, or parking spaces designated for long-term parking. It is also important to consider proximity to the electrical panel and the accessibility of the spaces for all users.

Can Charging Stations also be used by non-hotel guests?

Yes, the property can choose whether to reserve the service exclusively for guests or to make it available to non-guests as well. Managing the service through digital platforms allows the hotel to configure access, payments, and terms of use based on its objectives.

​

About Powy

Powy a company that owns, develops, and manages Italy's leading independent network of public charging infrastructure for electric vehicles.

Founded in Turin, Italy in 2018, Powy is at the center of the transition to more sustainable mobility, offering an innovative charging infrastructure that uses only 100 percent renewable energy.

Powy 's network includes quick, fast, and ultra-fast charging solutions strategically placed in public and private parking lots, supermarkets, shopping malls, and transportation hubs to ensure maximum convenience and accessibility for EV drivers. Each station is equipped with advanced technologies to provide a reliable and efficient charging experience.

Learn more: wpowy.energy