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| The World at Your Fingertips - Telematrix and Telephone Technology In some ways, the Internet and cell phone age is phasing out the land line telephone. But, given new technology currently on the market, in-room phones are ready for an upgrade that will surpass many things a laptop or a cell phone can do.
The ease of communication with its guests is the best form of customer service, but the phone has served a dual function in the past. With every individual using their own cell phone, and with complimentary high-speed Internet an industry trend, hotels are losing a key driver of revenue during difficult times in the industry. Enter VoIP, or Voice over Internet Protocol. VoIP telephones configure to function with Internet switches, so separate connections are unnecessary. “We’re now calling the VoIP telephones ‘endpoints’ because they’re no longer really telephones; they’re little computers,” says Bill Hazleton, marketing & communications manager for Scitec and Telematrix. Allowing guests to communicate over the Internet, VoIP cuts a significant cost for hoteliers — the local phone company bill. An advantage to the guest is that they can call anyone they’d like for the same price. “The Internet doesn’t care if you’re talking to someone in Germany or somebody in the next room,” says Hazleton.
Moving forward, Telematrix currently is working on the next phase. With VoIP gaining popularity for new build hotels, the TMX 1170 offers a touch screen providing web-based information. Whatever is on a Web site shows up on the phone, and this technology allows guests to utilize the phone as a concierge. Everything guests want is right there, literally at their fingertips. “What I think could be really big is the use of this technology for room service,” says Hazleton. “Instead of seeing just a line of type, a hotel could show dinner options on the screen.” The more a hotel can communicate with its guests, the more comfortable guests feel. With new technology making accommodations friendlier at the touch of a button, guest room phones are poised to bring a new level of service to the hospitality industry. For more information, please visit www.telematrixusa.com/ Article originally published in AAHOA Lodging Business, November 2008 |
SMARTCUBE from Minibar Systems combines state-of-the-art technology, upgradeability, eco-friendly materials, upscale design, different cooling systems, sensored glass doors, and unlimited products. |
The Global Hair Dryer will deliver guest convenience, confidence and hotel savings day in and day out. The Global Hair Dryer is fitted with cost-saving features, including a soft glow night light, digital clock, maintenance-free retractable cord, cool-shot and a removable lint filter that keeps the motor operating at peak performance, longer. The handset is conveniently held in place magnetically. The Global EconoMizer™ Wall-Mount Hair Dryer lets you set the operating wattage to maximize either economy or drying speed. Simply flip the hidden switch to toggle between 1,500 and 1,200 watts, for energy savings of up to 19 percent. The magnetic handset seats securely on the mounting plate between uses, and it offers guests enhanced airflow, reduced noise level, sleek styling, a removable lint filter and soft-glow night light. Model 1634 weighs only 25.12 ounces. This 1600-watt hand-held hair dryer features three different air speed settings, a removable concentrator and a cool shot button. The removable lint filter lengthens its life span and the ALCI safety plug ensures greater safety, hazard-free operation. Model 1635 is a powerful hair dryer with an upscale look that folds to create an attractive presentation for your guests. Designed for the hospitality industry, it features dual-voltage operation: 125v or 250v. The 1875-watt motor dries hair fast and gives professional results, and a built-in cool shot sets hairstyles with the touch of a button. |
Commercial Hairdryers Models 8300 (white) and 8300B (black) are wall-mounted units that feature an ergonomically contoured handle and 1500 watts of drying power with the two speed settings. They feature a convenient nightlight that illuminates the bathroom at night so guests don’t have to use a bright overhead light. For more information, email mae.fairchild@hamiltonbeach.com or call 804-527-7355 |
30975: The Andis Quiet Turbo 1600 hair dryer has 70 percent less noise, a feature that guests in hotels will appreciate. The 1600-watt dryer mounts securely on the wall with a metal mounting plate so it doesn’t take up counter space. It also features an LED night light. 40250: The Andis ProStyle™ hair dryer is lightweight and compact. It offers 1600 watts of drying power in a mid-size pistol styling dryer with four heat and two air settings. A dryer bag, which is sold separately, is available as a convenient storage solution. It is made of flame retardant black cotton twill with a drawstring closure. 30760: The HangUp® 1600 watt hair dryer is available in black or white. It has a hanger loop, a removable air intake grill for easy cleaning, two heat/air settings and Lifeline® protection plug. The ionic dryer provides ionic conditioning by breaking apart water molecule clusters into micro-fine particles, as the water penetrates the hair shaft. http://www.andis.com/USA/hotel/ |
Whirlpool® Fabric Freshener allows guests to quickly freshen and reduce wrinkles on clothes. The unit plugs into a standard 2-prong electrical outlet and eliminates the clutter of hang drying. After adding garments, just press the start button and walk away. In minutes, steam combined with the correct temperature oxidizes odors that form on fabrics. Whirlpool® Fabric Freshener is the only portable appliance that releases wrinkles and removes odors from fabrics such as wool, silk, polyester, rayon, cotton and linen in about 30 minutes with the power of steam. When fully upright, the unit stands approximately 60 inches high, 34 inches wide and 13 inches deep. When not in use, it can be collapsed to the size of a small vacuum (12 inches high, 34 inches wide and 13 inches deep) for easy storage and portability. For more information, visit www.insideadvantage.com or call 1-800-253-3977. |
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© 2008, France Publications, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Photos in header (from left to right) are courtesy of InterContinental Hotels Group; AmericInn International LLC; and The Courtyard by Marriott-Los Angeles/San Fernando Valley. |
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