Luxury Hotelier - November 2007 - (Page 55)

checks the condition of the room and the technology components in the room. Q Do you offer gaming systems like Wii or Xbox at your hotels? A We do, but the problem with providing those systems is that every six months they’re totally different. For example, in each of our rooms we have built-in docking station for guests traveling with a video camera or a digital camera to plug in and see their photos on the television set. But the technology is changing so quickly, it’s a struggle to keep up with it. Q How do you keep up with the pace of these developments? A First, I’m a member of Hotel Technology Next Generation (www. htng.org), which is an organization made up of hoteliers from all over the world. The other way we stay on top of these developments is to attend the Consumer Electronics Show and other technology shows. We stay in contact with the manufacturers. I’m more interested in what’s coming up rather than what they’ve got now because we have to provide for it in the future. Q What are some of the entertainment technologies we’ll see in hotel rooms in the future? A Definitely organic LED television sets. The quality is phenomenal. The big advantage for a hotel is that they don’t generate any heat. They are also very thin. One company I’m really watching is Internet-based television provider Sling Media (www.slingmedia.com). Sling Media may not have all the answers, but I do believe within five years it will be readily available, and we will be able to access television from anywhere around the world. As an Australian, if I can watch my Australian-rules football while traveling, I’m elated. Fun and games in Taipei Guests at Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts’ five-star properties across Asia and the Middle East are used to having the latest high-tech entertainment options available at their fingertips—everything from in-room DVD players and iPod connections to wireless Internet access and flat-panel televisions in the bathroom. The Shangri-La Far Eastern Plaza Hotel in Taipei has taken this a step further by making two of the most popular gaming systems on the market—Microsoft’s Xbox and the Nintendo Wii—a central part of some exclusive guest room packages. “With Wii and Xbox being the newest, hottest generation of game consoles, customers have become increasingly aware of these special benefits offered at the hotel,” says Christine Yen, director of communication at the property. “These game packages are offered as part of the hotel’s efforts in providing facilities to satisfy customer needs.” Both offers include unlimited wireless Internet access, complimentary breakfast, free access to the hotel’s health club and rooftop pool, complimentary fresh fruit and two bottles of mineral water. The Xbox package includes free parking. --B.A. MICROSOFT Digital relaxation For travelers looking for a slightly more relaxing interactive media experience, Hyatt Hotels & Resorts has partnered with YogaAway and On Command Video to provide pay-per-view yoga videos for guests at select hotels as part of the chain’s StayFit@Hyatt program. At the Grand Hyatt Taipei, for example, the videos can be accessed on large, flat-screen televisions, and rooms have been designed so there is plenty of space for guests to unroll their yoga mats. “Around 80 percent of Grand Hyatt Taipei’s clientele are business travelers,” says Luanne Li, marketing and communications manager at the Grand Hyatt Taipei. “This program is designed to allow busy business travelers to exercise in the privacy of their own rooms. Since the program’s launch this May, many of our guests have rejuvenated themselves with the power of yoga.” — B.A. HYATT HOTELS & RESORTS » BY BRIAN ALBRIGHT www.LuxuryHotelier.com | November 2007 | Luxury Hotelier http://www.htng.org http://www.htng.org http://www.slingmedia.com http://www.LuxuryHotelier.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Luxury Hotelier - November 2007

Luxury Hotelier - November 2007 Contents Editor's Letter Publisher's Letter Inform: News and Notes Network: People Personalities: Traditional Innovator Insight: Smith Travel Research / The Bench Insight: Ypartnership Properties: A Front-Row Seat to Moscow Properties: Northern Star Inspire: Outdoor Showers Deliver: Wellness and Fitness Protocols: The Real Deal Insight: Cornell University Innovate: In-Room Technology Development: Global Project Pipeline Indulge: Coffee and Tea Insight: Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne Connect: Regional Marketing Update: IH/M&RS Luxury Product Collection Dossier: Davide Bertilaccio of The Rocco Forte Collection’s Le Richemond

Luxury Hotelier - November 2007

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