With the iPad’s impending release and its (already) massive popularity, I thought it was a good time to get you thinking above and beyond when it comes to new technology and your Hotel.
A few moths ago I blogged to you about the possibilities the Kindle could bring to your Hotel. Remember the buzz surrounding the Kindle?; the appeal of having a Kindle available to your guests upon check in at your Hotel? I want you to keep thinking along these lines.
Apple has already sold a record amount of iPad’s (over 1 million in just a month). It’s obvious that Apple was onto something when they thought up this gadget; people are interested, so why not make the most of this and incorporate your Hotel into this growing trend.
Much like Hotels providing their guests with a Kindle, you could provide guests with a free iPad for use whilst staying at your Hotel. Not only would this set your Hotel apart from your competitors, but it also shows the world that your Hotel is open to expanding and accepting new technology and growing trends. (Not to mention the iPad is really cool and would definitely boost your Hotel’s popularity).
Let’s look at some of the other benefits of offering an iPad to guests whilst staying at your Hotel:
1.It’s a great idea for guests who choose to stay in their apartments or on resort facilities. They have access to the internet, the Apple App’s store where they can download music, ebooks and much more. You could capitalise on this by restricting the iPad from leaving the Hotel premises, potentially leading to an increase of revenue in your Hotel based restaurants and facilities.
2.The iPad has access to the internet so guests could receive their newspapers online instead of in hard copy; this would lower costs of newspapers for your Hotel and is also more eco friendly.
3.With the eBook function guests can access books at the click of a button.
4.It’s a new and exciting gadget, if guests enjoy the Hotel experience along with the use of the iPad they might tell the people they know, or leave a positive review, creating a buzz around your Hotel!
5. You could also incorporate the iPad into your Social Media marketing plans. For instance promote your Hotel and the use of the iPad via your Facebook page. You could also generate promotions such as "free use of the iPad for 1 night of your stay at our Hotel if you book within the next 5 hours." Having an added gadget makes a great advertising tool for your Hotel, setting you apart from your competitors.
If you are interested in finding out more about the iPad or if you want to purchase an iPad you can pre order them at Apple Store.
The iPad is due to be released in Australia on Friday 28th May 2010 (only 9 more sleeps!)
