Blogs

Virtual Reality to replace The Concierge?Technology experts are touting the concept that virtual reality is the next ‘breakthrough technology’ - and it could be coming to the hotel world very soon.

As the technology becomes more widel adopted, hotels will need to not only understand how VR is being used, but also how it could be implemented. This includes experimenting with new concepts such as a virtual concierge or virtual attractions.

It is claimed that guest expectations have shifted in the past several years. They now expect a higher level of service. One way to provide that service is through a knowledgeable concierge who can recommend activities – hence create a virtual concierge that allows guests to not only hear and read about services, but experience them first-hand.

Guests interested in spa services, for example, could consult with the virtual reality concierge and be provided with a VR experience of various spa amenities or spa services. A guest looking to make a dinner reservation could have an inside look at the hotel or nearby restaurant options.

Is this the end of the concierge as we know them? Details

Details: Published: 20 November 2015; Hits: 3411

It has been confirmed that property developers, Allied London, have bought London Road Fire Station next to Piccadilly station in the centre of Manchester from Britannia Hotels. They will be rebranding the building the ‘Manchester Firehouse’.

The Grade II-listed fire station has been the subject of controversy in Manchester for a number of years due to the property falling into a state of disrepair.

Allied London now plan a mixed-use future for the building to include studio living, workspace and hotel rooms.

Previous owners were granted planning permission to convert the fire station into a 227-bedroom hotel back in 2010. However a water hose fired from the top of the fire station’s water tower would spray at least a dozen budget, three and four star hotels plus serviced apartments already in very close proximity – with others opening shortly or planned.

Details: Published: 18 November 2015; Hits: 3155

Have you ever had the feeling whilst walking through the tunnels and negotiating the escalators on the London tube that perhaps it would have been quicker to simply walk to your destination – as well as being far nicer in the fresh air? Well that thought appears to have occurred to the folks at TfL, Transport for London.

Transport for London has now created a version of the legendary London Tube map — a ‘Walk the Tube’ map that shows how long it takes to walk between any two stations in zones 1 and 2 - which covers central London.

Whilst the map reveals how much faster it would be to walk between certain stations, such as the three minute walk between Charing Cross and Embankment, it can also show how efficient the Tube can be when compared to hoofing it under one’s own power.

It could lead to new calculations when choosing transportation options around London.

Details: http://content.tfl.gov.uk/walking-tube-map.pdf

Details: Published: 16 November 2015; Hits: 3933

The Royal College of Physicians in London is introducing ‘device-charging towers’ as a new delegate enhancement initiative. They will be available for delegates at the registration desk.

The new charging towers are designed for delegates to recharge laptops, tablets and phones - to ensure that they are well equipped for any technological requirements during their meeting. Each charging tower will accommodate up to ten devices, eight via wired connection and two via wireless charging.

Sales and Marketing Manager, Natacha Allen, says: “We’re really pleased to be able to offer the new tech charging stations as an added value element for our clients as the demand for cutting edge technology is increasing at a phenomenal rate. Having launched cloud-based virtual meeting facilities back in August, we’re working towards some new initiatives in the New Year and we’re proud to be offering a great range of tech facilities for our clients.”

The Royal College of Physicians has a range of 18 purpose-designed rooms and theatres including dedicated registration areas, tiered auditoriums, meeting rooms, exhibition spaces and dining areas - catering for conferences, exhibitions and meetings of all sizes.

The Royal College of Physicians is located in London’s Regent Park within easy walking distance of Euston and Kings Cross St Pancras stations.

Details: www.rcpevents.co.uk

Details: Published: 18 November 2015; Hits: 3357

A quirky new hotel has opened on the island of Skrova in Norway. It is a converted oil tank and it’s perched high on a hill overlooking the islet-studded Lofoten archipelago.

Internally, the three storey oil tank is decorated in a contemporary style and includes all latest amenities, including wireless internet. There are two separate bedrooms, plus a sofa bed in the living room. In total it can sleep up to seven people.

On the first floor is the kitchen / diner plus one bedroom. An en-suite bedroom is on the second floor. The living room boasting a 360 degree view of the area is on the third floor with steps to the roof through a hatch. Guests can sit in a hammock and watch the midnight sun or the northern lights.

The town of Skrova offers rafting, whale watching, sea eagle watching and fishing. Local restaurants are a 'stroll' away and apparently the best salmon and whale sashimi this side of Japan is found on the islands.

Details: www.oljetanken.no

Details: Published: 19 October 2015; Hits: 3293

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Refurbishment Round-up