Engadget http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Google launches Hotel Finder, finds a way to recycle Google Maps reviews]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/29/google-launches-hotel-finder-finds-a-way-to-recycle-google-maps/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/29/google-launches-hotel-finder-finds-a-way-to-recycle-google-maps/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/29/google-launches-hotel-finder-finds-a-way-to-recycle-google-maps/#comments
By now, it should be no secret that Google wants to get up in your online trip-planning business (if it wasn't somehow there already). First, there was the announcement that El Goog would buy ITA, the company serving up pretty much all of your online ticketing options -- a deal that still hasn't closed. Then came flight schedule searches and now, the outfit's rounding it all out by throwing hotels into the mix. The company just launched Hotel Finder, a service that lets you -- wait for it -- find a place to lay your weary head in these great fifty states. At first glance, it's little more than a specific use case for Google Maps -- just type in a city or US zip code to get a map with the usual spreads of pinpoints. Though Google won't be the middleman booking your hotel reservation, you can use the tool to fine-tune your search, drawing circles on the map to scour multiple neighborhoods. As you'd expect, you can also whittle the search by price and rating, and read reviews that people originally posted on Google Maps. One thing we're liking about the UI is that you don't have to open a new tab to read the full spill on a hotel -- you can just click the listing to see it expand right there, alongside pretty photo collages. Hit the source link to poke around, though if its bare-bones simplicity turns you off, don't say Google didn't warn you -- the tool is so new that Google isn't calling it a "beta" so much as an...experiment.

Google launches Hotel Finder, finds a way to recycle Google Maps reviews originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 29 Jul 2011 13:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>experimentGoogleGoogle Hotel FinderGoogleHotelFinderhotelHotel FinderHotelFinderhotelsonline travelOnlineTraveltravelFri, 29 Jul 2011 13:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Hyatt, Hilton, Marriott, and Starwood Hotels reward your loyalty with free WiFi]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/06/hyatt-hilton-marriott-and-starwood-hotels-reward-your-loyalty/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/06/hyatt-hilton-marriott-and-starwood-hotels-reward-your-loyalty/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/06/hyatt-hilton-marriott-and-starwood-hotels-reward-your-loyalty/#commentsFree WiFi is practically a given at coffee shops and motels, yet lots of luxury hotels hit you with an extra $10 - $15 a day to ride their waves of wireless internet. Good news is, well-heeled world travelers won't be paying those fees much longer, because several high-end hotel chains are now giving temporary tenants complimentary wireless internet. Loyalty program members for Hilton, Hyatt, and Starwood Hotels get online gratis if they have Gold or Platinum status, while Marriott lets all who sign up for its rewards program get WiFi for free. Seems ridiculous that some folks still pay extra for internet when a room runs several hundred dollars, but a little free websurfing is better than none. We can only hope that towel retention technology will provide a sufficient boost to their bottom lines to eventually allow access for all.

Hyatt, Hilton, Marriott, and Starwood Hotels reward your loyalty with free WiFi originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 06 May 2011 07:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>freefree wifiFreeWifihiltonhilton hotelsHiltonHotelshotelhyatthyatt regencyHyattRegencyloyaltyloyalty programLoyaltyProgrammembershipstarwoodstarwood hotelsStarwoodHotelswifiFri, 06 May 2011 07:03:00 EST<![CDATA[That hotel towel you're stealing might have an RFID chip in it]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/20/that-hotel-towel-youre-stealing-might-have-an-rfid-chip-in-it/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/20/that-hotel-towel-youre-stealing-might-have-an-rfid-chip-in-it/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/20/that-hotel-towel-youre-stealing-might-have-an-rfid-chip-in-it/#comments
 For many travelers, stealing hotel towels or bathrobes is more pastime than petty crime. Hotels, on the other hand, apparently take it more seriously. So seriously, in fact, that some have begun embedding specially crafted RFID tags within their linens, just to help us avoid "accidentally" stuffing them in our suitcases before heading to the check-out desk. The chips, designed by Miami-based Linen Technology Tracking, can be sewn directly into towels, bathrobes or bed sheets, and can reportedly withstand up to 300 wash cycles. If a tagged item ever leaves a hotel's premises, the RFID chip will trip an alarm that will instantly alert the staff, and comprehensively humiliate the guilty party. The system has already paid dividends for one Honolulu hotel, which claims to have saved about $15,000 worth of linens since adopting the system last summer. But small-time crooks needn't get too paranoid. In addition to the hotel in Hawaii, only two other establishments have begun tagging their towels -- one in Manhattan, and one in Miami. All three, however, have chosen to remain anonymous, so swipe at your own (minimal) risk.

That hotel towel you're stealing might have an RFID chip in it originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 20 Apr 2011 07:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alarmanti theftanti-theftAntiTheftbedchipchipscrimeguestshonoluluhotellinenlinen technologylinen technology trackingLinensLinenTechnologyLinenTechnologyTrackingmiamimoneynew yorkNewYorkrfidrobessecuritytagtheftthieftourismtoweltravelWed, 20 Apr 2011 07:44:00 EST<![CDATA[ASSA ABLOY trials remote hotel check-ins, unlocking your room with NFC cellphones (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/02/assa-abloy-trials-remote-hotel-check-ins-unlocking-your-room-wi/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/02/assa-abloy-trials-remote-hotel-check-ins-unlocking-your-room-wi/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/02/assa-abloy-trials-remote-hotel-check-ins-unlocking-your-room-wi/#comments Just think of it, no more hanging around your hotel's front desk like some unrefined homo erectus. The Clarion Hotel in Stockholm is starting up a new pilot program to allow visitors to check in and collect their room key without the repugnant need for speaking to an actual human being -- it can all be done with an NFC-equipped mobile phone. Provided your smartphone can do the near-field communications dance, all your information can be remotely downloaded, stored, and wiped (if need be), and you can even check out from a room using the accompanying application. Samsung handsets are being provided to selected customers during the period of this trial, though once its four-month incubation period is over, you'll have to bring your own bit of advanced telephony to avoid the queues. We're sure you'll think of something. Video and full press release after the break.

Continue reading ASSA ABLOY trials remote hotel check-ins, unlocking your room with NFC cellphones (video)

ASSA ABLOY trials remote hotel check-ins, unlocking your room with NFC cellphones (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 02 Nov 2010 10:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assa abloyAssaAbloycheck-inclarionclarion hotelClarionHotelcontactlesscontactless paymentContactlessPaymenthotelhotelskeykeysmobile keymobile keysMobileKeyMobileKeysnear field communicationnear-field communicationNear-fieldCommunicationNearFieldCommunicationnfcpilotpilot programPilotProgramroom keyroom keysRoomKeyRoomKeysstockholmswedenteliasoneratesttrialvideoTue, 02 Nov 2010 10:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Russian firm hopes to have luxury space hotel in orbit by 2016]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/30/russian-firm-hopes-to-have-luxury-space-hotel-in-orbit-by-2016/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/30/russian-firm-hopes-to-have-luxury-space-hotel-in-orbit-by-2016/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/30/russian-firm-hopes-to-have-luxury-space-hotel-in-orbit-by-2016/#comments
You know what they say: "another day, another hypothetical space hotel." Fans of the space tourism (mostly Lance Bass and a handful of gazillionaires) know that these things pop up every few years, so one can be a little skeptical about the plans recently announced by Russia-based Orbital Technologies to put a seven room guest house into orbit, where it would follow the same path as the International Space Station. While CEO Sergei Kostenko does mention things like well-appointed suites and food cooked up by celebrity chefs, it's not entirely clear that the firm has the funding to build the thing or even who will be doing the construction, although Energia (Russia's state-controlled spacecraft manufacturer) has been mooted as the project's general contractor. But this isn't merely a rich man's plaything -- as Kostenko points out, it could be used as a place for astronauts to flee to in case the ISS comes under alien attack (although he didn't say it in exactly those words).

Russian firm hopes to have luxury space hotel in orbit by 2016 originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 30 Sep 2010 15:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>energiaGalactic SuiteGalacticSuitehotelinternational space stationInternationalSpaceStationisslodgingmotelOrbital TechnologiesOrbitalTechnologiesrussiaspacespace hotelspace tourismSpaceHotelSpaceTourismThu, 30 Sep 2010 15:23:00 EST<![CDATA[Kobo e-reader sashays into ten Fairmont hotel properties, adds to your poolside experience]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/11/kobo-e-reader-sashays-into-ten-fairmont-hotel-properties-adds-t/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/11/kobo-e-reader-sashays-into-ten-fairmont-hotel-properties-adds-t/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/11/kobo-e-reader-sashays-into-ten-fairmont-hotel-properties-adds-t/#comments Oh sure, you've been able to get your hands on iPads, iPhones and Kindles when checking in before, but a Kobo? Nah. Well, until now. Announced today, the a-okay e-reader company has landed a deal with Fairmont that'll put e-book readers into the hands of select guests at select properties. Specifically, Fairmont Gold-level guests that are members of the (free to join) President's Club will be able to trial a Kobo during their stay free of charge, and they'll find each one brimming with a variety of fiction, non-fiction and high drama titles. Upon returning the device (as if there's another alternative, right?), patrons will be gifted with a $2 off coupon for Random House titles, and if you're curious as to which ten properties will be involved in the offer, head on past the break and have a look.

Continue reading Kobo e-reader sashays into ten Fairmont hotel properties, adds to your poolside experience

Kobo e-reader sashays into ten Fairmont hotel properties, adds to your poolside experience originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 11 Aug 2010 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>canadae booke book readere bookse readere readerse-booke-book readerE-bookReadere-bookse-readere-readersEBookReaderEReaderfairmontfairmont goldFairmontGoldhotelKoborandom houseRandomHousetraveltravelingusvacationWed, 11 Aug 2010 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[OpenWays makes your smartphone a hotel room key, provides a different kind of 'unlock']]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/30/openways-makes-your-smartphone-a-hotel-room-key-provides-a-diff/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/30/openways-makes-your-smartphone-a-hotel-room-key-provides-a-diff/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/30/openways-makes-your-smartphone-a-hotel-room-key-provides-a-diff/#comments For years now, hotel chains have been toying with alternative ways to letting patrons check-in, access their room and run up their bill with all-too-convenient in-room services. Marriott began testing smartphone check-ins way back in 2006, and select boutique locations (like The Plaza Hotel in New York and Boston's Nine Zero) have relied on RFID, iris scanners, biometric identifiers and all sorts of whiz-bang entry methods in order to make getting past a lock that much easier (or harder, depending on perspective). This month, InterContinental Hotels Group announced that they would soon be trialing OpenWays at Chicago's Holiday Inn Express Houston Downtown Convention Center, enabling iPhone owners to fire up an app and watch their room door open in a magical sort of way. Other smartphone platforms will also be supported, and as we've seen with other implementations, users of the technology will also be able to turn to their phone to order additional services, extend their stay or fess up to that window they broke. There's no word on when this stuff will depart the testing phase and go mainstream, but we're guessing it'll be sooner rather than later. Video after the break, if you're interested.

Continue reading OpenWays makes your smartphone a hotel room key, provides a different kind of 'unlock'

OpenWays makes your smartphone a hotel room key, provides a different kind of 'unlock' originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 30 May 2010 01:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appcellphonechicagoHoliday Inn ExpressHolidayInnExpresshotelhotelsInterContinentalkeymarriotopen waysOpenWaysroom keyRoomKeytravelSun, 30 May 2010 01:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Hotel room HDTVs still stuck with standard definition TV have an upgrade on the way]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/09/hotel-room-hdtvs-still-stuck-with-standard-definition-tv-have-an/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/09/hotel-room-hdtvs-still-stuck-with-standard-definition-tv-have-an/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/09/hotel-room-hdtvs-still-stuck-with-standard-definition-tv-have-an/#comments It's a sad truth experienced by too many travelers, far too many of the HDTVs installed in hotels over the last few years don't have any high definition programming coming to them. While the experienced traveler is prepared for all circumstances we've all been stranded somewhere with only stretched, blurry SD programming as our only option. The USA Today recaps the issue, with execs from Marriott, InterContinental Hotel Group (owners of Holiday Inn & Crowne Plaza hotels) and Hilton chiming in about their plans to expand HD services over the next year. That won't completely erase the horrors of our last hotel stay, but at least we can be at ease knowing a change is coming.

Hotel room HDTVs still stuck with standard definition TV have an upgrade on the way originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 16:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>business travelBusinessTravelhdhdtvhotelhotelstravelTue, 09 Feb 2010 16:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Marantz Reference gear in the Carlyle hotel spoils you for clock radio ]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/12/marantz-reference-gear-in-the-carlyle-hotel-spoils-you-for-clock/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/12/marantz-reference-gear-in-the-carlyle-hotel-spoils-you-for-clock/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/12/marantz-reference-gear-in-the-carlyle-hotel-spoils-you-for-clock/#commentsEmpire Suite of the Carlyle HotelWhile our typical hotel coverage involves HDTVs and/or special programming, we'll make an exception for the Marantz/DALI audio setup getting dropped into the Empire Suite of Manhattan's Carlyle hotel. We won't make any guesses about what the rack rate is for the duplex suite in the swank hotel, but it's got to be cheaper than the audio system, which combines four MA-9S2 mono amps, an SC-7S2 preamp and SA-7S1 SACD deck from Marantz's Reference lineup with a pair of DALI MEGALINE III speakers. All told, that's about $47,000 of Marantz gear and another cool $60,000 for the speakers, all to deliver good old two-channel. Might we suggest staying in and ordering room service?

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Marantz Reference gear in the Carlyle hotel spoils you for clock radio originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 12 Jun 2009 14:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amplifierdalihdhotelMA-9S2manhattanmarantzmegaline iiiMegalineIiinew yorknew york cityNewYorkNewYorkCityother hardwareotherhardwareotherspreampSA-7S1sacdSC-7S2speakersFri, 12 Jun 2009 14:55:00 EST<![CDATA[How to make the most of your hotel television]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/27/how-to-make-the-most-of-your-hotel-television/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/27/how-to-make-the-most-of-your-hotel-television/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/27/how-to-make-the-most-of-your-hotel-television/#comments
We've covered a number of newer hotel chains that actually recognize the importance of delivering HDTV programming and HD VOD to guests, but for the vast majority of places still living in decades past, there's Gadling's latest how-to guide. If you're sick and tired of checking into hotels with ancient TVs and lackluster programming, there actually are some options. For one, it's always smart to carry a bit of media on a PMP and bring along every connection cable you can imagine. Furthermore, those with Slingboxen and other place-shifting solutions can usually pipe their content from laptop to TV with the right connections. If you're looking to get schooled in the ways of good travel, hit that read link and open wide.

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How to make the most of your hotel television originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 27 Mar 2009 21:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>diyhackhackinghdhotelliquid tvLiquidTvlodgingmotelneroNero Liquid TVNeroLiquidTvtivotravelFri, 27 Mar 2009 21:33:00 EST<![CDATA[L.A. Live convention center / hotel includes gigantic, see-through outdoor screen]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/09/l-a-live-convention-center-hotel-includes-gigantic-see-throu/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/09/l-a-live-convention-center-hotel-includes-gigantic-see-throu/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/09/l-a-live-convention-center-hotel-includes-gigantic-see-throu/#comments
The 54-story tower planned to house The Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Los Angeles and JW Marriott when it opens in 2010 will also include an 8,000 sq ft screen on its eastern face, without disrupting the view of guests inside. The result of a deal between property owners AEG and sponsor Panasonic, the 50-foot by 160-foot screen will live in the neighborhood of the new Yankee Stadium and the Dallas Cowboys new home. No word on the exact res, but there will no doubt be plenty of HD as the entire complex, including Staples Center and Nokia Theatre, is getting Panasonic screens installed as part of the deal. Our reservations are already in, check after the break for an illustration of the future layout.

Continue reading L.A. Live convention center / hotel includes gigantic, see-through outdoor screen

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L.A. Live convention center / hotel includes gigantic, see-through outdoor screen originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 09 Jan 2009 06:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aegceshdtvhotell.a. liveL.a.Livelalos angelesLosAngelespanasonicFri, 09 Jan 2009 06:40:00 EST<![CDATA[L.A. Live convention center / hotel includes gigantic, see-through outdoor screen]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/08/l-a-live-convention-center-hotel-includes-gigantic-see-throu/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/08/l-a-live-convention-center-hotel-includes-gigantic-see-throu/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/08/l-a-live-convention-center-hotel-includes-gigantic-see-throu/#comments
The 54-story tower planned to house The Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Los Angeles and JW Marriott when it opens in 2010 will also include an 8,000 sq ft screen on its eastern face, without disrupting the view of guests inside. The result of a deal between property owners AEG and sponsor Panasonic, the 50-foot by 160-foot screen will live in the neighborhood of the new Yankee Stadium and the Dallas Cowboys new home. No word on the exact res, but there will no doubt be plenty of HD as the entire complex, including Staples Center and Nokia Theatre, is getting Panasonic screens installed as part of the deal. Our reservations are already in, check after the break for an illustration of the future layout.

Continue reading L.A. Live convention center / hotel includes gigantic, see-through outdoor screen

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L.A. Live convention center / hotel includes gigantic, see-through outdoor screen originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 08 Jan 2009 17:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aeghdhotell.a. liveL.a.Livelalos angelesLosAngelespanasonicThu, 08 Jan 2009 17:14:00 EST<![CDATA[Internet-based / HDTV content to hit hotels big in 2009]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/21/internet-based-hdtv-content-to-hit-hotels-big-in-2009/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/21/internet-based-hdtv-content-to-hit-hotels-big-in-2009/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/21/internet-based-hdtv-content-to-hit-hotels-big-in-2009/#comments
Or, at least that's the impression given off by Acentic's Top Five 2009 Trends for Hotel Television Technology. For those paying attention (and traveling often), lodging venues across the nation have been adding in high-def material at a rapid pace, and that's expected to continue into the new year. Additionally, research asserts that internet-derived material, more WiFi access, additional video-on-demand content and connection pods to link up guest sources will all be part of the shift. With the price of hotels these days, we can safely say we hope all of these changes come at a minimal cost -- and who knows, maybe we'll finally learn in 2009 why an Econo Lodge provides free internet access and a boutique hotel in the middle of everything has the nerve to charge extra.

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Internet-based / HDTV content to hit hotels big in 2009 originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 21 Dec 2008 08:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009Acenticdatahdhotelinternetlodgingmotelnew contentnewcontentresearchsurveytravelvideo on demandvideo-on-demandVideoOnDemandvodSun, 21 Dec 2008 08:12:00 EST<![CDATA[Chicago's Conrad Hotel getting HDTV services courtesy of RCN]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/17/chicagos-conrad-hotel-getting-hdtv-services-courtesy-of-rcn/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/17/chicagos-conrad-hotel-getting-hdtv-services-courtesy-of-rcn/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/17/chicagos-conrad-hotel-getting-hdtv-services-courtesy-of-rcn/#comments
RCN's locking down lodging deals like it's going out of style, and just days after cementing one with Highgate Hotels in New York, here we have another with Chicago's Conrad Hotel. Soon, said luxury venue will be able to provide guests with all-digital cable TV and HDTV services. Each of the 311 guest rooms will present said content on a 42-inch plasma, though there's no exact word on when the agreement will be implemented. And yeah, considering the per-night rates here, you'd better stay locked inside around 90% of the time in order to come close to making it worthwhile.

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Chicago's Conrad Hotel getting HDTV services courtesy of RCN originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 17 Dec 2008 04:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chicagoConrad HotelConradHoteldigital cabledigital tvDigitalCableDigitalTvhdhotelillinoislodgingmoteltravelWed, 17 Dec 2008 04:40:00 EST<![CDATA[RCN extends relationship with Highgate Hotels, will provide HDTV to weary travelers]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/15/rcn-extends-relationship-with-highgate-hotels-will-provide-hdtv/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/15/rcn-extends-relationship-with-highgate-hotels-will-provide-hdtv/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/15/rcn-extends-relationship-with-highgate-hotels-will-provide-hdtv/#commentsRCN has stuck its nose (and HDTV services, for that matter) in all sorts of lodging chains before, and you can mark it down for another thanks to a revamped agreement with Highgate Hotels. The multi-year contract enables RCN to provide the company's New York portfolio of hotels with its own digital TV / HDTV services sans a set-top-box; additionally, the carrier will be delivering third-party VOD content. At first, the operator will upgrade existing service to the DoubleTree Metropolitan, Radisson Lexington and Park Central Hotels, and it expects to have all five phase-one Highgate properties operational by February 2009.

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RCN extends relationship with Highgate Hotels, will provide HDTV to weary travelers originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 15 Dec 2008 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cablehdhotelighgate HotelsIghgateHotelslodgingmotelnew yorknew york cityNewYorkNewYorkCitynyRCNtravelMon, 15 Dec 2008 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Kindle offered during your stay at the Algonquin Hotel? Yes Sirree!]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/09/kindle-offered-during-your-stay-at-the-algonquin-hotel-yes-sirr/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/09/kindle-offered-during-your-stay-at-the-algonquin-hotel-yes-sirr/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/09/kindle-offered-during-your-stay-at-the-algonquin-hotel-yes-sirr/#comments
Manhattan's Algonquin Hotel has a long tradition of nurturing the literary-minded -- Dorothy Parker, Robert Benchley, even Harpo Marx hung out there in its heyday. Keeping up with the times, the folks running the Algonquin today apparently still have literature on their minds, and are offering Amazon's Kindle pre-loaded with a book of their choice for guests of the hotel during their stay. If they don't have all seven volumes of À la recherche du temps perdu loaded up and ready for us when we get there we're totally heading to the Holiday Inn.

[Via Kindle Boards]

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Kindle offered during your stay at the Algonquin Hotel? Yes Sirree! originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 09 Dec 2008 14:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Headed to Schaumburg, Illinois to visit those in-laws, are you? You're in luck. Hyatt Regency Woodfield has just announced that every last one of its 470 guest rooms will be locked and loaded (but unlocked prior to your arrival) with a 32- or 37-inch Sharp LCD HDTV, not to mention a copious amount of HD content flowing from the SuiteLinq in-room digital entertainment solution. Both linear channels and video-on-demand material will be delivered in SD and HD, and it appears that everything's in place for enjoyment as we speak. So, are your reservations in order?

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Hyatt Regency Woodfield home to Sharp HDTVs, SuiteLinq HD programming originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 30 Nov 2008 07:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We already knew that LG and LodgeNet were pretty well in bed (in a hotel bed, at that) together, but now the relationship is rounding second and heading briskly for third. The two have just announced plans to develop an Interactive Electronic Program Guide (IEPG) as "the first in what is expected to be a series of in-room interactive applications based on the new Pro:Centric standards-based platform." The plan will also work to eliminate pricey set-top-boxes from the equation, and if all goes well, it will be compatible with "a range of existing LodgeNet free-to-guest (FTG) TV and video-on-demand solutions." Also of note, Pro:Centric could eventually provide guests with all sorts of interactivity that is traditionally reserved for more luxurious venues, but we still have serious doubts that they'll ever install HDTVs with accessible HDMI ports for connecting our own paraphernalia.

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LodgeNet and LG collaborate on in-room interactive EPG originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 24 Nov 2008 09:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>free-to-guesthdhotelInteractiveLGLG700HLodgeNetlodgingmotelon demandOnDemandothersprocentrictravelvideo on demandvideo-on-demandVideoOnDemandVODMon, 24 Nov 2008 09:51:00 EST<![CDATA[WestTel bringing FTTP to Grand Cayman]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/21/westtel-bringing-fttp-to-grand-cayman/http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/21/westtel-bringing-fttp-to-grand-cayman/http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/21/westtel-bringing-fttp-to-grand-cayman/#comments
While we here at Engadget HQ ponder a week-long excursion to the splendorous island of Grand Cayman, we can't help but be swayed even closer to pulling the trigger after reading this news. WestTel, along with suits from WestStar TV and ABC Trenching, has just broke ground on a $15 million, seven-year initiative to bring fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP) to the only Cayman island with an international airport. The first phase will focus simply on establishing a fiber infrastructure amongst corporations, initially from Television Centre to Camana Bay, then up West Bay Road to Governors Square. Phase two will see the deployment of HDTV and high-speed internet / voice services to residences along West Bay Road, while followup phases will string it to the rest of the island. We just made your vacation plans a whole lot easier, didn't we?

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WestTel bringing FTTP to Grand Cayman originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 21 Nov 2008 19:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LodgeNet is looking out for hoteliers and hotel guests who actually want to watch a little TV while traveling after February 17, 2009 by rolling out a digital transition roadmap to bring venues up to speed. Granted, most hotels don't rely on analog OTA signals to begin with, but for those that still do, it's hoping to "propose a customized solution for each property." In other words, it'll see if analog OTA is still in use, and then offer a marked-up installation of DirecTV and / or a gaggle of DTV converter boxes -- brilliant!

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LodgeNet acts to keep OTA signals alive in analog hotels originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 17 Nov 2008 06:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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It's about time, no? TiVo has finally cut a deal to get its heralded time-shifting box into hotel rooms, and while the first agreement is relatively small in scope, we can see huge potential for this initiative. The outfit has signed on with Morgans Hotel Group -- which owns the Delano in South Beach, Royalton and Hudson in New York City, and Sanderson in London -- in order to bring TiVo functionality to every guest room in the soon-to-open (December 1st) Mondrian in South Beach (Miami, FL). There are no specifics given as to which model will be installed, but it definitely doesn't mention TiVo HD nor the word "high-definition." Still, we'd take an SD TiVo as part of the stay, but we won't stop wishing there was a way to transfer all of our currently unwatched programs at home to the box in the hotel room. Full release is after the break.

Update: We've received word that the units will be TiVo HD boxes connected to HDTVs. Stellar!

Continue reading TiVo invades the hotel room, comes to Mondrian in South Beach

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TiVo invades the hotel room, comes to Mondrian in South Beach originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 12 Nov 2008 06:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>floridahdhotellodgingmiamiMondrianMORGANS HOTEL GROUPMorgansHotelGroupmoteltivotravelWed, 12 Nov 2008 06:23:00 EST<![CDATA[RCN pipes HD programming into Boston's Mandarin Oriental luxury hotel]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/22/rcn-pipes-hd-programming-into-bostons-mandarin-oriental-luxury/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/22/rcn-pipes-hd-programming-into-bostons-mandarin-oriental-luxury/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/22/rcn-pipes-hd-programming-into-bostons-mandarin-oriental-luxury/#comments
This isn't the first hotel deal RCN has managed to land, and we have every reason to believe it's far from the last. The cable carrier's lastest grab is the Mandarin Oriental luxury hotel in Boston, Massachusetts, where it will deliver HDTV programming, all-digital cable and a dedicated data network connection to serve as the hotel's failsafe for internet connectivity. The multi-year deal will bring the services to 136 guestrooms, 12 luxury suites and the condominiums, apartments and retail stores located within the hotel. Now, if only we could afford a room to check it all out, we'd be set.

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RCN pipes HD programming into Boston's Mandarin Oriental luxury hotel originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 22 Oct 2008 10:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bostoncablehdhotellodgingMandarin OrientalMandarinOrientalmassachusettsmotelRCNtravelWed, 22 Oct 2008 10:39:00 EST<![CDATA[Malibu Beach Inn lets you request room service via iPhone / iPod touch]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/20/malibu-beach-inn-lets-you-request-room-service-via-iphone-ipod/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/20/malibu-beach-inn-lets-you-request-room-service-via-iphone-ipod/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/20/malibu-beach-inn-lets-you-request-room-service-via-iphone-ipod/#comments
Take one look at the room rates at the Malibu Beach Inn, and you'll fully understand why you'll be treated to a loaner iPod touch for the duration of your stay. For those who already own an iPhone / iPod touch, they'll be given access to a web application that was built for the Safari browser to give guests all sorts of remote capabilities. For instance, ordering up room service, setting a wake up call, requesting luggage, renting a limo and flipping the door placard to "Do Not Disturb" no longer requires any strenuous work; instead, users can simply hit a few buttons and be on their way. The hotel chose a web app in order to avoid the Apple certification process and to make it available on other hot devices in the near future. But then again, if you can swing this place, you've probably got a butler handling the front-desk inquiries, anyway.

[Via Fashion Funky, thanks Daisy]

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Malibu Beach Inn lets you request room service via iPhone / iPod touch originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 20 Oct 2008 18:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applecaliforniahoteliphoneiphone 3giphone hoteliphone osIphone3gIphoneHoteliphoneosipod touchIpodTouchlodgingmalibumalibu beach innMalibuBeachInnmobilemotelMon, 20 Oct 2008 18:09:00 EST<![CDATA[Malibu Beach Inn lets you request room service via iPhone / iPod touch]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/20/malibu-beach-inn-lets-you-request-room-service-via-iphone-ipod/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/20/malibu-beach-inn-lets-you-request-room-service-via-iphone-ipod/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/20/malibu-beach-inn-lets-you-request-room-service-via-iphone-ipod/#comments
Take one look at the room rates at the Malibu Beach Inn, and you'll fully understand why you'll be treated to a loaner iPod touch for the duration of your stay. For those who already own an iPhone / iPod touch, they'll be given access to a web application that was built for the Safari browser to give guests all sorts of remote capabilities. For instance, ordering up room service, setting a wake up call, requesting luggage, renting a limo and flipping the door placard to "Do Not Disturb" no longer requires any strenuous work; instead, users can simply hit a few buttons and be on their way. The hotel chose a web app in order to avoid the Apple certification process and to make it available on other hot devices in the near future. But then again, if you can swing this place, you've probably got a butler handling the front-desk inquiries, anyway.

[Via Fashion Funky, thanks Daisy]

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Malibu Beach Inn lets you request room service via iPhone / iPod touch originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 20 Oct 2008 18:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hotels that show off HD are nothing new, but in nothing-but-the-best Dubai, you just know that the dial has to get turned to 11. Guests at the 7-star (seriously) Movenpick Hotel in Dubai demand custom-tailored HD, and that's exactly what Anangran intends to deliver by deploying its FR-1000 Flow Manager devices. Five of the wonderboxes will serve up pristine HD and VOIP at up to 10Gb/s, customized to each guest's preferences. And if there's nothing good on, we're thinking guests can just look out the window at the Podium display.

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Anangran set to deliver HD to Dubai's Movenpick Hotel originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 17 Oct 2008 01:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Surely you've noticed this by now if you happen to end up in hotels often -- there's an HDTV there on your wall, thought nary a single HD channel appears when you flip it on. It's an unfortunate trend that's sweeping the lodging industry, as more and more chains cave to the pressures of having sexy, thin TVs all while disregarding the need for HD programming. Of course, most are playing the cost card as the reason why they have yet to offer up any HD channels on those wasted HDTVs, although not all hope is lost. At Hilton, you can expect each and every room to have a flat-panel TV and HDTV service by June of 2009, and LodgeNet, which began offering high-definition service in 2005, expects to keep up the good work in the future (though no definitive numbers were given). Please, travel venues -- don't force us to watch stretch-o-vision while away from home.

[Thanks, Ben]

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Hotels feverishly upgrading rooms with HDTVs, casually forgetting HD programming originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 15 Sep 2008 23:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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With the battle in full force between AT&T and local cable carriers RCN / Comcast, we're seeing more than just price wars breaking out. RCN has decided to flex its muscle in a different way by inking a deal to provide Chicago's TheWit Hotel with HDTV programming. Currently, the venue is still under construction, but by the time the doors swing open for guests in May of 2009, the carrier should have high-def material piped to all 298 rooms. Mmm, the sweet, sweet scent of competition in the air.

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RCN signs on to provide Chicago's TheWit Hotel with HDTV originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 02 Aug 2008 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Some might say that Rancho Cucamonga, California is a strange place for a ribbon cutting ceremony, but we figure that there's hardly a better place in America to have HDTV within an air conditioned room. Sure, it's not exactly in Death Valley or anything, but the aloft Ontario-Rancho Cucamonga is close enough to Zzyzx to warrant an excuse for staying indoors during the summer. The 136-room venue just opened its doors to guests last week, becoming the very first aloft hotel to actually open for business in the United States. Each guest room has its own HDTV and connectivity panel, and the hotel-wide WiFi should keep you satisfactorily connected during your stay. Anyone plan on stopping by?

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First US-based aloft hotel opens in Rancho Cucamonga, California originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 27 Jul 2008 12:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We've already seen Cox bring HDTV to The Donald's Las Vegas Hotel & Tower, but now cross town street rival Wynn is about to get its own dash of HD upgrades. Cox Business/Hospitality Network will be providing wired and wireless internet to Encore at Wynn Las Vegas, and furthermore, it'll be stringing free-to-guest programming in both SD and HD flavors to both the Encore and Wynn proper. Patrons will notice revised navigation menus rendered in high-definition, and the HD VOD platform will enable them to get instantly gratified when returning from a long night at the tables. Specific stations aren't listed, but CB/HN promises that guests will be treated to "a wide variety of HD and digital channels and on demand Hollywood blockbusters in HD." Your move, Luxor.

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Wynn Las Vegas nets HD VOD and WiFi originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 20 Jun 2008 18:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>encorehdhd vodHdVodhotellodgingmotelnew contentnewcontentvideo on demandvideo-on-demandVideoOnDemandvodWynnWynn Las VegasWynnLasVegasFri, 20 Jun 2008 18:16:00 EST<![CDATA[LG, Control4 team up on HDTV automation system for hotels]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/18/lg-control4-team-up-on-hdtv-automation-system-for-hotels/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/18/lg-control4-team-up-on-hdtv-automation-system-for-hotels/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/18/lg-control4-team-up-on-hdtv-automation-system-for-hotels/#comments
The news is flowing hot and heavy from the hospitality sector today, as just moments after LG announced a slew of new LodgeNet-enabled flat-panels, along comes word that the aforementioned outfit and Control4 are teaming up to develop a swank new automation system for the lodging industry. More specifically, the two will co-develop an "integrated automation system for HDTV sets that will allow hotel guests to control lighting, room temperature, draperies and entertainment systems through the television with a single remote control." Better still, the eventual solution will be integrated into LG's hotel TVs, eliminating the need for yet another set-top-box in the room. Regrettably, there's nary a mention of when this (amazing sounding) system will be available (nor where it will be available), but we can definitely see this swaying the avid traveler when it comes time to book the next business trip.

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LG, Control4 team up on HDTV automation system for hotels originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 18 Jun 2008 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LG's flat-panels end up in a-many of hotels, and it looks as if the outfit is hoping to end up in a whole lot more here soon. Today, the company has "expanded its long-time alliance with LodgeNet by agreeing to integrate LodgeNet and On Command interactive terminals with new hotel TVs." Essentially, the firm will be cranking out 11 new LG HD Built-in TVs, all of which include essential LodgeNet technology that enables hoteliers to map channels and the like from headend equipment. Five 32-, two 37-, and two 42-inch LCDs were introduced alongside a pair of 42-inch plasmas. We aren't told what venues will be snapping these up, but it's pretty safe to assume that any LodgeNet-equipped hotel will be giving 'em a glance.

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LG expands LodgeNet alliance, introduces new HDTVs for hotels originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 17 Jun 2008 17:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>32LG3DC-LN132LX50C-LN132LX50CS-LN142LB5DC-LN142PG60C-LN142PG65C-LN1h.264hdHD Built-inHdBuilt-inhotelinteractivelcdLGLodgeNetlodgingmotelOn CommandOnCommandplasmatravelTue, 17 Jun 2008 17:39:00 EST<![CDATA[Washington, D.C.'s Marriott Wardman Park gets 32-inch LG plasmas]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/17/washington-d-c-s-marriott-wardman-park-gets-32-inch-lg-plasmas/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/17/washington-d-c-s-marriott-wardman-park-gets-32-inch-lg-plasmas/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/17/washington-d-c-s-marriott-wardman-park-gets-32-inch-lg-plasmas/#comments
If you were impressed with the $6.2 million renovation at the Gaithersburg Marriott Washingtonian Center, you'll be blown away by the upgrades found on Washington, D.C.'s largest hotel. The Marriott Wardman Park has just underwent a whopping $100 million refreshing (a "comprehensive revitalization," as it were), which added in a 32-inch LG plasma to each and every guest room. Additionally, each PDP will be equipped with Marriott's proprietary plug-in panel, and while 64 channels of programming will be available, we aren't told how many of those will be in high-definition. Looks like the competition in the D.C. hotel market is getting even fiercer.

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Washington, D.C.'s Marriott Wardman Park gets 32-inch LG plasmas originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 17 Jun 2008 04:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hdhotellglodgingMarriottmotelplasmatravelwardman parkWardmanParkwashington d.c.washington dcWashingtonD.c.WashingtonDcTue, 17 Jun 2008 04:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Swisscom, Tangerine Global partner to deliver HDTV to hotels]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/14/swisscom-tangerine-global-partner-to-deliver-hdtv-to-hotels/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/14/swisscom-tangerine-global-partner-to-deliver-hdtv-to-hotels/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/14/swisscom-tangerine-global-partner-to-deliver-hdtv-to-hotels/#commentsSick of seeing nothing but upconverted SD feeds on the brand new LCDs that seem to be finding their way into every new hotel room these days? Tangerine Global's package of HD channels are on their way to more hotels in North America, Europe and the Middle East courtesy of a deal with Swisscom Hospitality Service to add them to its new IPTV system. Swisscom is switching hotels over to a URL-based delivery system to feed guests their HD, as this new programming debuts in rious locations beginning in the third quarter of this year. Among its five channels Tangerine Global counts the NFL Network as part of its HD offerings, so football fans have one more thing to look for during a jaunt out of town next season.

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Swisscom, Tangerine Global partner to deliver HDTV to hotels originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 14 Jun 2008 04:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Thinking of heading to Central Florida? If so, you should probably keep both the Caribe Royale Orlando All-Suites Hotel and the Buena Vista Suites Hotel in mind when traveling on down (or up, we guess). The pair has just announced a $25 million upgrade that will begin on both properties in August, and you can bet the two are getting more than a good spraying of air freshener. Visitors who check in May 2009 / late 2008, respectively, will see all new carpet, drapes, furniture, and best of all, a 42-inch flat-screen HDTV in the living room. Oh, and there's the 37-inch HDTV in the bedroom -- that's pretty appealing, too. Pack your bags!

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Caribe Royale Orlando and Buena Vista Hotel renovate, add HDTVs originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 08 Jun 2008 07:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Just in case Jacksonville and Chicago aren't on your upcoming itinerary, aloft is hoping that you'll be spending at least a night near PHL. Beginning this week, aloft is accepting reservations for its Philadelphia-based hotel, which is scheduled to open wide for guests on September 8th. Per usual, each room will see a 42-inch flat-panel HDTV with a connectivity panel for connecting up cellphones, DAPs, laptops, etc., but we haven't got the nerve to actually phone 'em up and hesitantly inquire about nightly rates.

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aloft opening swank hotel near Philadelphia airport originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 05 Jun 2008 02:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alofthdhotellodgingPhiladelphiatravelThu, 05 Jun 2008 02:45:00 EST<![CDATA[P Hotel and Spa picks SuiteLinq for in-room interactive services]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/13/p-hotel-and-spa-picks-suitelinq-for-in-room-interactive-services/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/13/p-hotel-and-spa-picks-suitelinq-for-in-room-interactive-services/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/13/p-hotel-and-spa-picks-suitelinq-for-in-room-interactive-services/#comments
Headed up to Happy Valley to catch one of the greatest spectacles in all of college sports later this decade? If so, The P Hotel and Spa has a room with your name on it. The recently planned luxury condominium hotel (slated to open in early 2009), which is located in State College, Pennsylvania, is aimed squarely at "upscale alumni and football fans that frequent the Penn State University Campus," and the in-room amenities are looking quite nice. Each of the 100 suites will boast a large-screen HDTV as well as interactive content and broadband internet via SuiteLinq. Guests can expect "a variety of on-demand entertainment," and while a specific layout of high-def options weren't detailed, we know those Nittany Lions fans won't accept post-game highlights in anything other than HD.

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P Hotel and Spa picks SuiteLinq for in-room interactive services originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 13 May 2008 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Look out, avid travelers -- LodgeNet is at it again. After announcing that it would bring HD to 17,000 hotel rooms in early 2007, the company is now talking up an agreement with Loews Hotels. The deal will bring a comprehensive HDTV and broadband internet solution to US and Canadian Loews properties, meaning that 8,000 rooms across all 18 Loews hotels will be upgraded. Guests who find themselves in one of these venues for the night will soon be enjoying HD movies and TV, video-on-demand and the DirecTV Sports package to boot. Unfortunately, there's no word as to when the new services will be implemented, but the sooner the better, we say.

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LodgeNet bringing HDTV / broadband to Loews Hotels originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 11 May 2008 19:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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As the media giants look for more creative ways to snag our attention even for just a brief moment, Horizon Media is partnering with Backchannelmedia to introduce an all new method at the MGM Grand at Foxwoods, which opens on May 17th. Hailed as the "first ever" of its kind, the TV-to-Internet click-through advertising platform will enable viewers to point and click at icons / links / etc. on their TV screen with their remote. Upon doing so, their broadband connected PC will be directed to a related website where the viewer can learn more about a product or actually make a purchase. We're also told that WCVB-DT (ABC) Channel 5 in Boston will be the first broadcast TV station to sign on and utilize the technology, but there's no mention of other stations following suit. We'll admit, the idea is pretty ingenious, but whether or not it'll actually work as advertised (ahem) remains to be seen.

[Via TVWeek]

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MGM Grand at Foxwoods to utilize TV-to-Internet advertising platform originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 09 May 2008 20:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Looking for something a bit more elegant than just another hotel? If you've been toying with the idea of shipping yourself off to Jamaica this fall for a nice dose of R&R, you may want to put The Palmyra Resort & Spa on your short list. After all, you can't make it a whole week without a little high-resolution action, right? Said venue is being launched by the former president of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company Horst Schulze, and aside from luxurious amenities throughout the place, you can expect 299 well-appointed guest rooms with HDTVs, "cable HDTV" (that's programming, we presume) and high-speed internet. Sound too good to enjoy for just a week? Call these guys up -- you can buy yourself a private residence if you've got the scratch.

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Jamaica's The Palmyra Resort & Spa opening with cable HDTV originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 05 May 2008 00:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Considering the absolute mess that O'Hare International is, we'd wager that you'll end up there a time or two on business or pleasure ventures. If so, chances are you'll be anxious to tune into a bit of HDTV after a long day in the Windy City. The Chicago Tribune has taken the liberty of breaking down the top ten best tech hotels Chi-town has to offer, and unsurprisingly, Hyatt properties -- you know, those with the Plug Panel -- were ranked quite highly. Additionally, Hard Rock Hotel Chicago is currently undergoing a pricey technology renovation that will be completed in 2009, and while it's not mentioned (could have something to do with all those construction workers still in the bathrooms), we'd imagine the Chicagoland aloft will hit the list next July.

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Ten best technology-infused hotels in Chicago get listed originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 04 May 2008 08:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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