The technology boom continues. Free wireless Internet, remote paperless check-in and check-out, on-line reservations, Ipods and docking stations, movies on-demand and in-room Play Stations are now expected by today’s upscale traveler. At the Dylan and other exclusive properties in Ireland it took about ten minutes for the concierge to explain the high tech operations of my suites features. Hotels like the new Ritz Carlton Powerscourt, and Capella, in Ireland use electronic finger tip control panels in a bedside drawer and on room walls to open and close drapes, adjust heating and air conditioning, and the lighting. There are thermostats for the heated bathroom floors and towel racks, television screens set in the bathroom mirror and multipurpose phones. Unfortunately not enough European hotels understand the importance of having one American style plug-in as most of us no longer carry heavy converters expecting this availability especially at the high end properties.
We did discover one downside to all this technology i.e. it doesn’t always work and therefore one can become quite a friend of the properties engineering staff.