From online yoga to new travel apps, we take a look at how hotels are becoming more tech-savvy.
DIGITAL NEWSPAPERS
Say goodbye to the daily paper at your hotel room door, as Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts goes digital.
The Hong Kong-based luxury hotel group is replacing approximately two million complimentary print newspapers distributed annually to guests with environmentally-friendly digital versions.
Through a partnership with PressReader, a digital newspaper and magazine service, Shangri-La guests will have unlimited, complimentary access to more than 2000 publications from 100 countries - and they'll be available in 60 languages.
IN-ROOM iPADS
More and more hotels are ditching traditional paper compendiums in favour of in-room iPads.
Blue Sydney, a Taj hotel, is the latest to make the switch, putting free iPad Airs in every guest room.
Guests will be able to receive "pop up" messages on screen promoting activities such as happy hour, and will also be able to search online at no cost.
The technology is much greener for hotel management, too, because the electronic compendiums can be updated to amend menus and make announcements.
MOBILE APPS
Apps continue to infiltrate the travel industry, and Sofitel Luxury Hotels has jumped on the bandwagon by launching an app for iPhone and Android.
The free app comes in 15 languages and allows users to search a Sofitel hotel by destination or near their current location and book a room.
They'll also be able to access current and past bookings, view Sofitel video and photos, and access maps.
TRAVEL YOGA
Westin Hotels And Resorts Australia has partnered with Australian yoga teacher Charlotte Dodson to help travellers maintain their health and wellbeing while on holiday.
They've launched a yoga tool kit, which includes a short yoga video tutorial and a downloadable yoga guide.
Guests can access the kit at westinsydney.com and westinmelbourne.com.
