Accommodation for the tech obsessed
Forty per cent of global travellers worry about not being able to connect to Wi-Fi when travelling, according to research commissioned by Booking.com.
Clearly a strong Wi-Fi signal is crucial for a comfortable stay, especially with the rise of tech-orientated travel activities such as taking the ultimate picture for social media, checking restaurant reviews online and listening to the ultimate holiday playlist.
Booking.com delved into its more than 27 million properties in over 120,000 destinations around the world to present eight high tech hotels that cater to the contemporary tech-savvy traveller and offer so much more than just fast Wi-Fi.
citizenM Amsterdam, The Netherlands
This affordable boutique chain with hotels in New York, London, Glasgow, Amsterdam, Paris and Taipei, breathes technology. Upon arrival, travellers are greeted by self-check-in computers and each room is equipped with MoonPad, a tablet that allows guests to control the blinds, adjust the climate control and the (coloured) lighting and set a mood-enhanced wake-up call. The MoonPad also provides information about the hotel and functions as an entertainment device.
Virgin Hotels, Chicago, USA
This funky hotel has a clear focus on technology. With the Virgin Hotels mobile app named Lucy, you can ask for anything without having to talk to anyone. With the app you can check-in and out, customise your mini-bar, adjust the temperature of your room and eMeet and chat with other hotel guests. Additionally, the Tesla Model S house-car can drop you off anywhere within a two mile radius while out and about exploring the city.
Hotel Blow Up Hall 5050, Poznan, Poland
Entering Hotel Blow Up Hall 5050, known for its impressive collection of art, guests may feel as if they have time travelled into the future. Digital art installations monitor guests entering the hotel and projects the image back in a series of surveillance shots. Your room key is an iPhone that will navigate you to the correct room by means of IT recognition technology and will also serve as a way to communicate with hotel staff during your stay. Each room is individually designed and is equipped with a LCD satellite TV.
W Singapore, Sentosa Cove, Singapore
The hotel offers high-tech amenities like underwater speakers in the pool and, in case you fancy a party and a WOW Suite with its own private DJ booth. You can unlock your room with your smartphone or Apple Watch and guests can enjoy the complimentary use of a smartphone with unlimited Wi-Fi and local calls.
The Peninsula Tokyo, Japan
Of course no high tech list would be complete without a property in a city as tech advanced as Tokyo. In The Peninsula Hotel all guestrooms have unlimited internet radio with more than 3,000 stations, large flat-screen TVs, customisable mood lighting and a nail polish dryer. You can discover Tokyo in a BMW 750s, Tesla Model S or a Rolls-Royce Phantom that are waiting for guests outside the door.
Loews Hotel 1000, Seattle, USA
At Hotel 1000, guests won’t be disturbed by housekeeping as every room is equipped with heat-detecting sensors that alert staff when a room is occupied. Guests can also choose their room temperature, artwork and music all using smart technology. For golf fanatics, there’s a virtual Golf Club where you can play golf with real clubs and balls at one of the 50 world’s best golf courses of your choice.
Eccleston Square Hotel, London, UK
This boutique hotel in London might be one of the most technologically advanced hotels in the world. Almost everything in the rooms is controlled by sensitive keypads, from the music and lighting to the shower walls that turn from transparent to frosted with the touch of a button. Guests don’t have to worry about getting a good rest and relaxation during their stay, handmade and adjustable Swedish Hastens beds come in each of the rooms.
Mama Shelter Paris, France
Located in the 20th district in central Paris, this stylish hotel was designed by Philippe Starck. It offers ultramodern guestrooms with an iMac computer with an Airplay function, free movies on demand, a photo booth and of course, complementary Wi-Fi access. Guests can also relax at Mama Shelter’s amusement area with table football and a gift shop.