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9 Big Bets for 2009
A room with an IQ
 There
is a scene in the 2003 film Lost in Translation that brings technology to the
forefront. Filmed primarily in Park Hyatt Tokyo, the shot shows the curtains
automatically whirring open in the morning, flooding the room with sunlight;
rousing the protagonist Bill Murray from his jetlagged slumber - an effective
and silent solution as opposed to a wake-up call or a blaring alarm.
A guestroom's IQ has risen vertiginously since. Innovations
have invaded communication devices, room lighting, security systems and room
entertainment systems, all integrated into a seamless package that is simple
enough to use by a guest. The rationale is to tailor-make services by using
technology and replacing a flesh-and-blood butler cum concierge with his virtual
counterpart available 24x7, 365 days a year.
In India too technology is making inroads in public spaces
as well as the guestroom. Check-in kiosks in hotels, PDAs in restaurants, intercoms
with audio visual facilities, multi plugs, Plasma TVs and Wi-Fi facilities are
necessities. The Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP) have
provided a peek into technologies that will feature in GUESTROOM 2010, Version
3.0. While some are quirky such as Axxess Empty Food Tray Detection System that
detects and alerts staff of trays dumped in the corridor by satiated guests,
others include IBM's innovative keyless door opener where guests with electronic
reservations receive an SMS of their room number and a secure electronic key
that enables them to bypass long check-in lines. The thrust on guestrooms for
tomorrow is to utilise green, cost - and energy-saving technologies to increase
the safety, comfort and security of a guest, while enhancing operational efficiency.
Despite the complexities underlying the system, at the end
of it all, the interface will be simple. Else all efforts will be futile if
it entails anything more than plug and play. Where are the maximum efforts concentrated?
Television has been at the centre of most efforts, coming bundled with proprietary
software and consoles. Be it HDTVs or IPTVs, the television is interactive and
personal. The same applies for IP phones as well.
The day is not far when the menu will pop up on the telephone and the order
will reach the kitchen immediately with the press of a button. Digital door
viewers will also be popular. The ITC Grand Central, Mumbai already has audio-visual
intercoms installed on its Eva floors. The next question that arises is whether
technology will replace human touch - which is an intrinsic factor in the luxury
business? While in some cases, it will to a certain degree, in other cases it
will complement and enhance the functioning of the support staff. So while the
days of key cards are not over, the day is not far when they will probably be
redundant.
 One
of the emerging trends in the hotel industry is the concept of 'smart rooms'.
It is one that is equipped with the latest technology all aimed at making
the guests' visit a comfortable one. These smart rooms give the impression
of having a constant butler by one's side as they cater to and even anticipate
the guest's smallest demand with applications such as touch-less electronic
locking solutions for the main door, energy-saving solutions and hydraulic
lifts for LCD televisions. An electronic bedside/study table console allows
guests to increase or decrease temperature, lighting, automatic blinds,
do-not-disturb signs, etc without leaving their bed or chair.
- Prashanta Bhattacherjee, technical manager (Hospitality)
at Häfele India
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By Neeti Mehra
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