(don’t) carry that weight: certain hotels go high-tech with gadgets and productivity tools

Photo from New York Times Web site

An article in the November 10, 2008 issue of The New York Times (here) discusses moves by hotels to offer technology solutions to their guests. While this isn’t a new approach (in 2004 my company worked with HP to put digital camera kiosks in Fairmont Hotels), lately there are a lot more hotels partnering with tech companies to showcase the latest tech gadgets and solutions to a very relevant target audience: business travelers.

I recently stayed in a small, boutique hotel in New York City, The Franklin, which offered free wireless access, a large flat-panel LCD and an iHome clock radio that with an iPod dock/charger. Sheraton is setting up their lobbies to include wireless networks, printing and computer stations where guests can print etickets or send video messages. Westin is offering high-tech fitness with Wii Fit in their gyms. And many other hotels are looking at consumer friendly technologies that increase entertainment and business productivity for guests.

So, check out what tech amenities your hotel offers. Maybe you’ll be able to pack lighter and leave some of you gadgets at home. With baggage weight allowances what they are, one less set of iPod speakers could save you some cash – and some backache.

New York Times article here.  The iHome IH9 clock radio sells for US$79 at Amazon.

~ by efdixon on December 2, 2008.