InterContinental arms concierges with iPad 2 for face-to-face chats

March 14, 2011 By 7 Comments

InterContinental is continuing its modestly pioneering use of the Apple iPad with an enhanced version of its concierge application to allow consultations with staff before a trip.

IHG ipad app

IHG was one of the first hotel chains to introduce an iPad app, following the device’s launch in 2010, but has stepped up its activity to coincide with the second incarnation of the iPad going on sale last weekend.

Customers due to stay at ten of the chain’s flagship hotels in ten countries around the world will be able to use the iPad’s FaceTime visual chat system to talk directly to hotel concierges.

The hotels are in New York, San Francisco, Atlanta, Houston, London, Dubai, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Tokyo and Bali.

New York, San Francisco, Atlanta
, Houston
, London, Dubai, Shanghai, Hong Kong
, Tokyo
, Bali

Guests will also be able to the service on FaceTime enabled iPhone 4 and iPod Touch devices as well as on a Mac.

Other features in the new app include destination-specific concierge videos, interactive globe with Google Maps, recommendations and other suggested itineraries.

Related posts:

  1. iPad starting to find its way into hotel services
  2. Dorling Kindersley moves into high-end iPad travel publishing
  3. Lonely Planet launches augmented reality guides for Android, ebooks for iPad
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Kevin May About Kevin May

Kevin May is editor of Tnooz. He joined as a co-founder in August 2009 after spending nearly four years as editor of UK-based business publication Travolution.

Passionate about the business of travel and the internet, Kevin played a major role in establishing Travolution in print, online, events and with an annual awards programme, as well as becoming a regular speaker and moderator at industry events.

Prior to Travolution, Kevin was web editor at Media Week (UK) and also worked in regional newspapers for two years at the Essex Enquirer. He started his career in journalism at the Police Gazette at New Scotland Yard in London.

Comments

  1. Glenn Gruber says:
    March 15, 2011 at 3:48 pm

    Is it just me who sees this as ironic? It’s one thing to FaceTime with family thousands of miles away, but the concierge is in the hotel right? Just downstairs? I thought the purpose of the concierge was to provide high-touch support. I guess it’s just me.

    Reply
  2. Kevin May Kevin May says:
    March 15, 2011 at 3:50 pm

    @Glenn – purpose of the Facetime elements is to allow guests to liaise with concierge BEFORE the trip.

    Reply
  3. bill devine says:
    March 16, 2011 at 5:51 pm

    Awesome!

    Reply

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