Hotel Go Hi-Tech

Say the word hotel and perhaps the first associated word is luxury. I mean, there’s nothing like a bit of luxury when staying at a nice hotel. Whether you feel like in-room dining, a personal concierge service, dog rentals, Egyptian cotton thread counts, or in-suite Jacuzzis are the flees knees, feeling like a king or queen for the duration of your stay is a key factor in booking a vacation. Unfortunately, the systems in place for requesting such things are several years behind (I point you to those annoying bedside books that offer a service and a four digit extension in which to “find out more”), teetering on the edge of archaic. Some hotels think they are cutting edge because you can scroll through your TV menu to see all the hotel has to offer. Unfortunately the interface is less cool than even home shopping networks.

Runtriz, a software firm out of Hollywood, CA, is working tirelessly to bring hotels up to speed. After a few trial runs, Runtriz is now debuting a product called “Hotel Evolution” at the Malibu Beach Inn in Malibu, CA. When a guest checks into the hotel, they’re asked if they have an iPhone or iPod Touch. If they do, the hotel staff will load the Runtriz Hotel web application to the device. If they don’t, they’re given a 16gb iPod Touch (with the application pre-loaded, of course) to keep for the duration of their stay.

Once you’ve punched in your room number and security code, all of the hotel’s service offerings are but a click away. Straight from the device’s screen, you can order room service, set a wake up call, request your luggage, dry cleaning, or car (limos included), request linens or toiletries, check your messages, or set your room to “Do Not Disturb.” The software also provide information about nearby nightlife, attractions, and shopping.

Tags: Egyptian cotton, Jacuzzis, Runtriz, Hollywood, Runtriz, Hotel Evolution, Malibu Beach Inn, iPhone, iPod Touch, dry cleaning, Do Not Disturb