In the past, the best you could have hoped for at a hotel was a fresh pastry from the continental breakfast and a working remote for your TV.
Today, in our high-tech, state-of-the art digital age, you can check into your room with help from a robot, order room service via an iPad, get weather reports on your bathroom mirror and feel cleansed with a Vitamin-C shower.
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Where else but Japan could you find a hotel staffed by human-looking androids and dinosaur robots? Last summer, Henn-na Hotel in Nagasaki opened up with ten multi-lingual animatronic units to cater to human guests. We're wondering if the staff can do The Robot dance for us. The hotel also utilizes facial recognition software for room access.
- If looking at your phone for weather reports and updated stock prices is too cumbersome, you can just glance at them via mirrors in your room. Starwood Hotels & Resorts is rolling out smart mirrors where guests can read the latest headlines and sports scores while getting ready for the day. Just don't take out your frustrations on the mirror if your team loses.
- The Four Seasons Lanai in Hawaii re-opened after an extensive 5-month renovation. Located on a private island, the sprawling property offers 217 luxuriously appointed guestrooms with 51 suits as well as a championship 18-hole golf course. Techies will be impressed with the hotel's wearable wristbands system. With just a flick of the hand, guests can gain access to their room and pay for meals and drinks. Meanwhile, in-room iPad Airs will get you room service when you need to entertain your robot guests from Japan.
- The InterContinental Group launched a hotel chain catered to the wellness traveler, Even Hotels. The properties offer an in-room training zone with a yoga mat, exercise ball and a mounted fitness wall with resistance bands. With in-room videos and training guides, there's nothing stopping you from reaching your healthy living goals.
- For those seeking a more holistic spa experience, The MGM Grand Las Vegas offers a full floor of rooms equipped with Vitamin C-infused showers to neutralize chlorine, circadian rhythm lighting, aromatherapy, air purifiers and hypoallergenic beds.
