24 June 2009

Link@Sheraton has revitalised the lobby area with new business opportunities

Sheraton Hotels & Resorts will soon roll out PCs using Windows 7, giving guests in the hotels’ Link@Sheraton a new way to stay connected and find information about local attractions, restaurants and more.

Link@Sheraton takes the standard hotel business centre – typically located away from common areas – and incorporates it into the lobby with the latest Microsoft technology. This initiative follows research carried out by Sheraton last year confirming that the majority of its guests prefer spending time in social places.

Hoyt Harper, senior vice president of Brand Management for Sheraton Hotels & Resorts, describes Link@Sheraton sites as being about more than addressing the needs of the business traveller. “We wanted to create a destination where all of our guests could come to socialise, be entertained, people watch, or be alone but not lonely,” Harper said. “We found our inspiration in parks because they’re a symbol of community where people gather to play games, to eat and drink, or just to unwind. With that in mind, we designed the Link@Sheraton to be much more than a business centre. It’s a social enabler.”

We designed the Link@Sheraton to be much more than a business centre. It’s a social enabler

Hoyt Harper, Sheraton Hotels & Resorts In addition to offering television and the latest magazines and newspapers, each Link@Sheraton site features communal tables, complementary wireless service, wired ports for personal laptops and at least four personal computers with 17-inch screens, integrated Web cams and Microsoft Office 2007 software.

This summer’s rollout of Windows 7 builds on the hotel company’s delivery of innovative technology to boost the customer experience. According to Harper, the Link@Sheraton experience with Microsoft has had a marked impact on business. Customer satisfaction has increased by ten per cent, and customers have noted Link@Sheraton as a key contributor to why they would return. In addition, food and beverage revenue has increased by six per cent because guests spend more time in the lobby.

Add a comment