A range of hi to lo tech gizmos from shower clear mirrors to check-in kiosks were to be found in HITEC’s ongoing technology showcase in Minneappolis, MN. However, the centerpiece was without a doubt Guestroom 2010. From the guestroom door with the biometric self-serve check in to the Seura television mirror in the bathroom. The gadget filled room had a massage chair (Symphonic) , VOIP phone by Nevotek and even a Westinghouse scanning microwave owen that scans a barcode to set cooking times automatically – a college kid’s dream no doubt.
Guestroom 2010 was remarkable not just for what the gadgets did but for the unobtrusive way they were placed in the room and their ease of use across generations – numbers, for instance, were large, catering to the over 40 in need of reading glasses. The concept was apparently the brainchild of HFTP’s Bob Bennett and came to fruition in the short span of six months. Unlike in auto shows where a lot of concepts are on display, Guestroom 2010’s products could get to market in a mere 90 days. As a reference point for hoteliers looking to incorporate technology that goes beyond Ipod dockking stations and Bose audio systems, Guestroom 2010 is likely to be the standard to look to. Far and away one of the best shows ever put together by HITEC.