When I head out on vacation (when I get the chance, anyway), I always choose a hotel that offers the most amenities to suit my techie tastes . . . and I think this would qualify as most geek-tastic of all: The Malibu Beach Inn is taking technology to a whole new level by issuing an iPod Touch to all of their guests at check-in equipped with a program called Hotel Evolution. Hotel Evolution enables them to order room service, schedule spa treatments, make reservations, or even have their dry cleaning sent out, all with a touch of the screen.
No more clunky TV check-outs or picking up a phone to call for room service! Although I'm digging the idea of having things so accessible with a standard-issue iPod Touch, I'm just wondering how realistic it is to ask people to carry not only their cell, MP3 player, and digital camera around, but to keep track of the hotel's iPod Touch! I can only imagine what the fee would be if you lost it. What do you think about the next step in "Hotel Evolution"?
Skechers
Azzaro
Homebase
Sounds great! auto check ins always give me a hard time. I'd love a Blackberry version!
1It's a good idea, but like you said, carrying around yet another piece of expensive technology? Maybe not the best idea... Though having a downloadable app that lets you do this stuff on your own iPod touch or iPhone would be awesome!
2Great! I really want to try it!
3Man, that looks AMAZING.
And yeah, I think the replacement charge - even if it got broken and not lost - would be horrendous. Since it's for stuff in the hotel though, I'd probably try to keep it in my hotel room in the lock box thing.
Do they give you chargers to keep the Touch powered, too? What happens if it stops working?
4Sounds like a neat idea!
5Nope. I prefer good old-fashioned hospitality, thank you. Although I do agree with bethinabox about a downloadable app --> only if it's strictly optional.
6I love it, but I'd prefer if I could download the app on my iPhone.
7Doesn't matter if they'd try to put a tracking device on it, they'd still be stolen. Too much of a liability. What's with cutting the human contact?
8sorry but when im on holiday, im on holiday. I dont believe in room service (you should be out enjoying where you are) and if you want a spa treatment, walk to reception on your way through to arrange it. I pay for people to give me service, not ignore me unless im using THEIR way to be in contact.
9wow that sounds really really cool! If I was worried about losing it I'd just leave it in the room I guess.
10I think this is a really good idea! Maybe like if someone is scared they are going to lose it they could just leave it in the hotel room??? But it is soo handy and a wicked smart idea!
11People ask me for help all of the time. I must look friendly.
I can see myself being asked by older guests how to use the thing. Definitely DO NOT WANT that on vacation.
12i'm on the fence about this one. i have an iTouch and an iPhone, and i think that if i had another one in my possession while i'm at a hotel, i would have a fear that i would lose one of them. it's not a good thing i don't think. i like that hotels are trying to become more modern about things though.
13Totally ridiculous.
14I'd throw the hunk back at them.
Sound like a great idea!
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