Technology Becoming Staple of Luxury Vacation Rentals
May 6, 2007. When you go on vacation, do you turn off your cell phone, forget about your email and stay away from the television? If you answered yes, you may be part of a growing minority, for better or worse. According to an article in Realty Times, hotels and vacations rentals owners are spending more on technology amenities to respond to an increasing demand from their customers. Those who don't may be placed at a disadvantage.
We've previously blogged about the subject of Internet addiction. It's not just a simple Internet connection many customers demand, however. In an age when high-speed lines are reaching farther into rural and remote areas, dial-up connections may not suffice for much longer. In fact, more andmore savvy travelers demand wireless (WI-FI) capabilities.
It's no secret the lodging industry has been losing ground to vacation rentals in recent years. In response, according to the Realty Times article, the industry will spend $5.5 billion on capital improvements that will be heavy on technology. Those plans include:
* In-room MP3 (a digital audio format used by iPods and other devices) compatible sound and television systems.
* Installation of flat-screen televisions, high-speed wireless Internet, self check-in and check-out kiosks and computers and printers in business centers.
* Design enhancements appealing to Generation Xers and Millennials, including informal gathering areas, extended hours for food and beverage operations and wireless Internet access.
