KUALA LUMPUR, 15 JUNE 2009 -- A new breed of travellers will able to work while they play with the launch of a new connectivity solution, according to the Sheraton hotel group in Malaysia.
"Sheraton has partnered with Microsoft to deliver a distinctive technology enabled experience via-Windows-based platforms through computer terminals, a wi-fi access area as well as Microsoft peripheral products," said Sheraton Imperial KL general manager, Wolfgang Boettcher.
“The launch of the ‘Link@Sheraton’ is a new signature communications hub debuting in Malaysia at the Sheraton Imperial Kuala Lumpur Hotel and the Sheraton Langkawi Beach Resort aimed at enhancing and differentiating guest experience,” said Boettcher.
“Sheraton’s Link is a unique virtual and physical lobby lounge space that meets the needs of Sheraton’s in-house guests by enabling them to work, relax and remain connected with friends and family during their travels,” he said. “It offers a convenient online experience, including free wi-fi and Internet-enabled computer stations, to allow guests to e-mail, search the Web, review local attractions and even print their boarding passes where applicable.”
Sheraton Hotels & Resorts, with 400 hotels and resorts in more than 70 countries, is owned by Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide. The latter has about 900 properties in more than 100 countries and 155,000 employees at its owned and managed properties.
Global investment
Sheraton (Asia Pacific) brand director, Vincent Ong, said that in Asia Pacific, Sheraton hotels in major cities and resort locations have a Link@Sheraton, 28 of them in total including Shanghai, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Sydney, Saigon, Bangkok, Maldives, Fiji, and now Kuala Lumpur and Langkawi.
"The Link@Sheraton signature service is part of Sheraton's US$4 billion investment in upgrading 100 of its properties, renovating 50,000 guestrooms and redesigning more than 100 new lobbies," said Ong.
"An important objective is to encourage the forming of communities and socialising out of the hotel rooms, especially for business travellers,” he said.
Microsoft partnership
Microsoft Malaysia director, client business group, KT Ng, said this new service would offer Windows-based computers providing visitors with search and e-mail capabilities, maps, and other information. “In addition, many Link computers will also feature webcams, allowing guests to have free video-chats or e-mail video postcards back home. Guests will also have access to televisions, daily newspapers, and food and beverage offerings.”
“Today’s traveller is part of a connected digital community, with instant access to information and technology for work, entertainment and social networking,” said Ng. “With the ‘Link @ Sheraton experienced with Microsoft,’ the first of its sort in a branded partnership between Microsoft and a leading hospitality brand, we are helping forge the convergence of the digital life and work style in the experiences offered to this new breed of guest.”
