Blog 5: Hotel 1000 Takes Tech to New Levels

Abigail A Lorden. Future Proof: Hotel 1000 Takes Tech to New Levels. June 6,
2008.

http://www.htmagazine.com/ME2/dirmod.aspsid=&nm=&type=MultiPublishing

&mod=PublishingTitles&mid=3E19674330734FF1BBDA3D67B50C82F1&tier=

4&id=45ACAADAC1B240D889BD783A5A39A62C


MTM Luxury Lodging operates 8 properties all across the United States, but
when building Hotel 1000, they new that they were going to need to get more
technologically savvy because of the city they were located in, which is Seattle.
After opening in 2006, the hotel quickly became the leader in RevPar in that
area. The property is now taking a look at the future and what other
technological advances they might want to have. A few of these include fiber
high speed internet for fast upload and download speeds, climate control, which
can detect movement among the room and adjust accordingly, more in room
entertainment including HD LCD televisions, iPod’s and laptops, and finally
improving staff communication property wide. The upgrade in staff
communication allows employees in the front line to instantly report to
maintenance or service. They will use a hands free badge, which has instant
voice and data communication. This system is much like using a hands free cell
phone, but more convenient and less expensive. All of these improvements
however are working towards a main goal of improved customer service for
technology throughout the entire hotel. Hotel 1000 wants to ensure that guests
have control and leverage over new applications and developments so that they
are the most technologically advanced.

I think that although Hotel 1000 is already the leader in RevPar in their area,
that they will continue to be even more popular and successful. I think is due in
large part to their differentiated product. Not many hotels in their area have
implemented these advanced technologies to the extent that Hotel 1000 has.
They have taken technology in hotel rooms to a new level, allowing employees
easier and more efficient communication, and allowing guests control and
leverage on their accommodations. The customer experience will be very much
enhanced by the new level of entertainment that is going to be placed in rooms
including the iPod and laptops. This alone will be a huge draw to the business
crowd. The high speed Internet will also help with customer satisfaction. Giving
employees in the back and front of the house easier communication paths will
speed up process that used to take longer. Overall, I think that Hotel 1000 is
obviously on the right path and now they just need to fine tune their property
and continue to make technological advances.