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Hotels feverishly upgrading rooms with HDTVs, casually forgetting HD programming
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]
Afrika teams up with Japanese hotel chain to create pseudo-safari experience
We love bizarre Japanese promotions, like this one between Sony Computer Entertainment and Tokyu Hotels. During the month of September, they'll have a special campaign which starts at 19,000 yen. Special Afrika-themed rooms will include a special projector screen displaying high-resolution images from the upcoming PS3 safari game. A special exotic meal will be prepared and delivered to your room as you enjoy the digitally rendered African environment from the PS3. At the very least, this beats having to stay in a boring non-Afrika themed room, right?
RCN signs on to provide Chicago's TheWit Hotel with HDTV
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.
First US-based aloft hotel opens in Rancho Cucamonga, California
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?
Wynn Las Vegas nets HD VOD and WiFi
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.
LG, Control4 team up on HDTV automation system for hotels
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.
LG expands LodgeNet alliance, introduces new HDTVs for hotels
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.
Washington, D.C.'s Marriott Wardman Park gets 32-inch LG plasmas
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.
Swisscom, Tangerine Global partner to deliver HDTV to hotels
Sick 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.
Caribe Royale Orlando and Buena Vista Hotel renovate, add HDTVs
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!
aloft opening swank hotel near Philadelphia airport
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.
Viva Las iMacs!
What happens in Vegas will be visible to your iChat buddies when the $2.9 billion Fontainebleau resort opens in Sin City next fall. VegasTrippers.com reports that the Fontainebleau has partnered with Apple to install an iMac in every one of the 3,889 rooms and suites. To quote the fancy brochure available on the Fontainebleau website: "Fontainebleau guests experience a new sensory landscape through an innovative relationship with Apple. The program includes intuitive and simple options for booking and pre-planning stays online and interactive programming throughout the resort. An iMac in every guest room inspires guests to share memories and encourages personal expression."There's no word on whether a fabulous Vegas version of iPhoto will give you the ability to airbrush out that strange woman or man you're with, or if there is a new Apple-designed peripheral for removing tattoos that mysteriously showed up on your body overnight. [Via VegasTripping.com]Thankew, Jordan, thankew vurry much for the tip. Elvis is leaving the building now.
Habbo census reveals PS3 to be 'Console of Choice' for teens
Those enlightened individuals who have experienced the rapidly metastasizing MMO hotel sim/social networking site known as Habbo (formerly Habbo Hotel) are already aware that the community for this "hangout for teens" is sizable, to say the least. Thus, when the Pixelated Nation of Habbonia endorses one of the current-gen consoles as being the "Console of Choice" for the teenaged, it resounds like the voice of a small nation -- albeit a nation of furniture-hording hotel dwellers.Nearly 57,000 Habbonians took part in the survey late last year, where 69 percent of the pixelated participants gave the PlayStation 3 "great or good" rankings, followed by 64 percent for the Wii, and 58 percent for the Xbox 360. The Global Habbo Youth Survey went on to show that females preferred the Wii and Habbonians located in the Americas were more favorable to the Xbox 360 than their Eastern Hemisphere suitemates. Not exactly new information, but it is an excellent excuse for us to repeatedly type the word Habbonian.
P Hotel and Spa picks SuiteLinq for in-room interactive services
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.
LodgeNet bringing HDTV / broadband to Loews Hotels
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.
MGM Grand at Foxwoods to utilize TV-to-Internet advertising platform
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]
Jamaica's The Palmyra Resort & Spa opening with cable HDTV
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.
Ten best technology-infused hotels in Chicago get listed
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.
aloft Dulles-North hotel sets sights on November opening
Just in case the recently revamped Gaithersburg Marriott Washingtonian Center isn't close enough to all the action for you, aloft is getting set to bring its traditionally modern style to a new hotel in Ashburn, Virginia. The 136-room aloft Dulles-North is merely minutes away from the Dulles International Airport, and besides being near a plethora of shopping and dining options, it also offers each guest free WiFi, their own flat-panel HDTV and a "one-stop connectivity" panel for interfacing with gizmos in tow. No word on just how pricey a night in this place will be, but you can find out for yourself starting on November 6th
Gaithersburg Marriott Washingtonian Center: now with HDTVs in every room
Ever wonder what a $6.2 million renovation can do? It'll buy 284 32-inch LCD HDTVs, that's for sure. At the Gaithersburg Marriott Washingtonian Center in Gaithersburg, Maryland, that's exactly what has been added to its guest rooms, and all eleven floors have now been refreshed with the oh-so-useful "plug-in panel" that enables patrons to sync up their travel gadgetry with the in-room flat-panel. You'll also find wireless internet and more HDTVs in the lobby downstairs, and the free on-site parking makes you feel as if you're much further away from D.C. than just a half hour.