The Best Two-Way Radios for Large Hotels
If you go out and buy the first radio that you see for your team, you might be in for a rude awakening. Static, poor battery life, messages that sound like a drive-through speaker...
That’s why you need a quality radio tailored to your large hotel, and we’ve got you covered!
We don't want you to buy any radio just because you like the name or the price. We want you to make an educated decision and purchase the perfect radio within the scope of your needs, staff, and location.
We’ve sold thousands of radios and have compiled all that knowledge right here in this brief guide.
What do you need in a walkie talkie for large hotels?
Room 814 just called down—housekeeping missed their room entirely this morning. A guest at the front desk has been waiting for their luggage for over 20 minutes, but no bellhop is in sight.
Maintenance was supposed to fix the AC on the third floor hours ago, but no one’s followed up.
Everyone’s trying to do their job, but no one knows where anyone is or what’s been handled.
These are all common issues in a large hotel - and they can easily be solved with clear, quality two-way radios.
Let's walk through some important components when comparing radios....
Coverage Considerations
When choosing two-way radios for your large hotel, it is important to match radio power and coverage of your building size and layout.
Selecting a radio that is too powerful for your hotel needs can lead to overpaying, while choosing one with insufficient coverage may result in poor quality and dead zones.
Larger hotels (or multiple buildings), covering up to 350,000 square feet, require more powerful radios in the 3-4 watt range on analog (or 1 watt on digital) that can transmit clearly through walls and across larger distances.
You also need to take obstructions and building materials into account. If you have thick concrete walls, it may be necessary to go 1-watt stronger or add a repeater.
For unlimited coverage, across multiple locations, consider radios that use LTE and Wi-Fi, like the Motorola WAVE PTX series.
Number of Channels Needed
Channels help segment team conversations, to simplify radio chatter.
Recommended groups for Large Hotel:
- Housekeeping – For room cleanings, restocks, and guest requests
- Engineering/Maintenance – To report and respond to facility issues (HVAC, plumbing, lighting, etc.)
- Security – For emergencies, guest incidents, and surveillance coordination
- Front Desk/Guest Services – To manage check-ins, special requests, and VIP handling
- Banquets/Events – To coordinate event setups, timing, and on-the-fly adjustments
- Valet/Bell Services – For luggage deliveries, car retrievals, and guest arrivals
- Food & Beverage – To manage room service, restaurant updates, and catering communication
Easy breezy. That’s concise and direct communication.
Channels can also be used to set up private conversations: “Sarah, call Tom on channel two.”
Sarah and Tom can then have an in-depth conversation over the radio without bothering the rest of the staff.
Quality Brands Make a Difference
You need a radio that is not going to fall apart within a year. You need one that will last so you’re not throwing away money.
Motorola and Kenwood two-way Radios are the most quality brands on the market because they are purpose-built for reliable communication with a durable build.
Designed to be easy to use and intuitive their radio series are affordable, cost-effective and eliminate monthly cell phone plans.
Tested for 5 years of field use, Motorola and Kenwood make sure you see a return on your investment.
Not to mention the included manufacturer warranty (1-3 years depending on model).
What features make a great large hotel radio?
- Clear audio quality – Hotels can be noisy (especially in kitchens, event spaces, or loading docks), so radios need strong speakers and noise-canceling tech.
- Long battery life – Staff often work long shifts; radios should last all day without needing a recharge.
- Durability – Radios should withstand drops, spills, and daily wear—especially for maintenance or housekeeping teams.
- Private and group calling – Ability to talk one-on-one or broadcast to a whole team depending on the situation.
- Multiple channels – Essential for keeping departments separated and communications focused.
- Compact and lightweight design – Staff should be able to carry radios comfortably without it getting in the way.
- Hands-free options – With earpieces or speaker mics, staff can talk without stopping what they’re doing.
- Emergency alert button – Allows staff to quickly call for help in urgent or unsafe situations.
- Strong indoor coverage – The signal should reach from the lobby to the top floor, even through thick walls and elevators.
- Our Top Two-Way Radio Picks for Large Hotels
To help you with your selection, we've highlighted several different models below that are perfect for hotels of every size.
These recommendations come from our own experience working with thousands of these radios. Each one has a rock-solid history and great reputation.
Given the structural (physical and team) nature of a large hotel, we recommend high watt radios with many channels.
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Advanced digital technology for clear audio and extended coverage.
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Ultra-slim, durable, and superior audio clarity for larger coverage needs.
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Best Unlimited Coverage (LTE & Wi-Fi Enabled)
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Ideal for operations across multiple locations, cities or states.
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Request a Quote for Bulk Purchases
Need to equip your team? We want to help!
Make sure to request a quote for our best possible pricing.
We are here for you!
If you have any questions on which radio is right for your large hotel – do not hesitate to reach out to our support team.
We have a very knowledgeable staff with over 25 years of experience in the two-way radio industry that can answer all your questions.
You can’t get rid of us that easily after purchase - we include lifetime tech support to be there for you every step of the way!