The latest on digital design trends and consumer behavior from Avenue A | RazorfishThe Hotel of the Future?
May 19th, 2008 by John-Alistair GeorgeTags: apple, hotel, kiosk, microsoft, Mobile, sheraton, starwood, surface, travel, windows
What does the hotel of the future look like? It’s a common question and a massive opportunity given the relationship that many travelers have with a hotel — even more so given how far behind most hotels are from a technology standpoint. Things are starting to change, however.
Sheraton Hotels & Resorts and Microsoft Corp. have recently teamed up to deliver new products and services at the “Link @ Sheraton” program in the Sheraton Lobbies. The new products and services are due to roll out starting around the second half of the year at all the 408 Hotels across 75 countries.
“Sheraton’s Link is a unique virtual and physical lobby lounge space that meets the needs of Sheraton’s core guests by enabling them to work, relax and remain connected with friends and family during their travels. It offers a unique and convenient online experience, including free Wi-Fi and Internet-enabled computer stations, to allow guests to email, search the Web, review local attractions and even print up boarding passes. Through its relationship with Microsoft, the new, enhanced “Link @ Sheraton experienced with Microsoft” will offer Windows-based computers providing visitors with search, maps, email and information. In addition, many Link computers will also feature webcams, allowing guests to have free video-chats or email video postcards back home. Guests will also have access to televisions, daily newspapers, and food and beverage offerings.”
We already know they teamed up with Microsoft to launch Surface at the Sheraton Hotels & Resorts, so this seems to be a larger initiative that tries to create continuity in interaction through creativity, content and convenience for the customer. I will be watching the outcome of this closely because I feel that Microsoft has a great opportunity to make a big impact on transparent and seamless cross device interaction at the corporate level for consumers. Not an Apple tactic, but a powerful one nonetheless.
You can read the complete press release here.
* image from Sheraton Hotels & Resorts
One Response to “The Hotel of the Future?”
It looks like Nortel & InterContinental are making waves here as well: http://www.hyperconnectivity.com/en/customer-story-ihg.html
Sounds somewhat similiar. Anyone out there experienced either of these? What were they like?