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Hotel Guestroom Technology
Most people define technology in terms of computers and electronic devices, but in fact,
technology reaches beyond the well known concepts when applied to a hotel environment. The
American Heritage Science Dictionary defines technology as any use of scientific knowledge to
solve practical problems. Guestroom 2010 was conceived by Hospitality Financial and
Technology Professionals (2007) and debuted at Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition and
Conference (HITEC) 2006 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. This exhibit was devised by the HITEC
Advisory Council, and the board believed its validity because of their goal to be the global source
of information for hospitality finance and technology.
The exclusive sponsor of the initial guestroom was IBM who continues their sponsorship
in 2007. The 2007 display will include updates of the 2006 guestroom. Each product in the
exhibit has been carefully chosen to represent technology innovations in design, function,
usability, energy efficiency or products reflecting a wide range of technology from “green” to
electronics to nanotechnology. Exhibition space was added after increased demand for the new
Guestroom 2010 initiative, which will include a 90 ft. x 40 ft. pavilion featuring some of the latest
and near future technologies.
The focus on the guestroom of the future begs the question of whether hoteliers can
accurately predict what is coming in the future as far as technology, and whether it is possible to
prepare for it.
The Hotel Technology Next Generation (HTNG) In-Room Technology Work group sees
a converged Internet Protocol network as the center for the guestroom of the future. “A
converged network based on open standards is the best bet to make additional technology
purchases even more interoperable,” reads that group’s white paper titled Convergence: Hotel
Technology for Today and Tomorrow. Hotel 1000 heeded that advice; the hotel will feature a
fully converged IP with integrated technology offerings in guestrooms. This includes: wired and
wireless high-speed Internet access, VoIP touchscreen color-display telephones, 40 inch LCD
monitors for unified messaging. MTM Luxury Lodging worked within the parameters defined by
ASBBS E-Journal, Volume 4, No.1, 2008 157