[ame=http://vimeo.com/19170938]Intelity's ICE Touch Premiers at The Plaza Hotel on Vimeo[/ame]
A luxury living website, Luxist, has a fascinating report on how the Plaza hotel in New York, as of this January, has become the first hotel in the world to provide an iPad in every room for guests, which they can then use to order guest services and control various facilities in their room. The iPads use the Interactive Customer Experience software (ICE) designed by Intelity, to run the new system. The Plaza’s specially adapted app includes a multimedia welcome message for guests, as well as the ability to order room service, make reservations in the restaurant, communicate with the concierge, order wake-up calls, check out NYC guides, and check their flight schedules and even print out boarding passes, all via the iPad. The iPad can also be used to control many everyday in-room functions, such as turning the lights on and off, and adjusting the heating and air conditioning in the room.
“They are not meant to replace our concierge service and the person touch we are known for,†Shane Krige, general manager of The Plaza, told Luxist. “It is to provide more choice. At a five-star hotel you should have choices – if you want to use the iPad, you can do so. If you want a butler service, that is available, too. If you want to be left alone, that is a choice, as well. By putting the iPads in the guest rooms, we are bringing a new technology to everyone’s finger tips.â€
Source: Luxist The Plaza in New York Offers iPads in all Guest Rooms and Suites (with Video)