Check in and check out hi-tech communications
Staying in touch always just a cutting-edge click away
LIVING UP TO the claim to be one of the most technologically advanced hotels in the Asia-Pacific region, Langham Place delivers a hi-tech experience, right from clicking online to making inquiries or reservations.
The click-to-talk option online allows hotel guests and their callers to make free calls to the hotel through the internet and web browser using their computer's microphone from anywhere in the world.
It is better than sending e-mail or using online inquiry forms because responses are instantaneous.
The technology is provided by CrystalVoice Communications, which provides internet protocol (IP) communications software solutions.
Interfaced with the hotel's Cisco CallManager IP phone system, calls through the internet can be directed to specific departments such as room reservations, conference and banquet sales, and the Chuan Spa for inquiries and bookings.
Inside the hotel, guests can stay in touch and not miss any phone calls by carrying the in-room wireless IP mobile phone. The hotel offers an entire voice and data 'Wi-fi bubble' throughout the premises so guests can make or take calls anywhere.
'We want to provide at least the same degree of connectivity or where possible exceed the level of convenience and speed that today's business travellers have in their office,' managing director Brett Butcher said.
'We have coined the phrase 'Omnipresent Wi-fi', as no matter where the guests are in the hotel, they can obtain wireless voice and broadband access.'
The hotel is even making available wireless cards for guests who do not have wireless access built into their personal computer. In the guest rooms, there is the option of staying online through wired broadband access or analogue dialup modem.
The integrated solution, by PCCW, consists of a converged network based on Cisco's AVVID (Architecture for Voice, Video and Integrated Data) solution; and a LazerSpeed structured cabling system by Avaya whereby voice, video and data communications are carried across one IP-based system capable of simultaneously handling almost 700 gigabytes of data.
In addition to the Wi-fi bubble, the hotel also has deployed Cisco's 7970 colour IP phone in each room, offering a range of multimedia and interactive functions in various languages. From the high resolution touch screen display, guests can quickly access news, stock quotes, send short messages and lots more without having to call up the internet.
Being a web-enabled device, the IP phone will also offer guests web-based radio, making it possible for the hotel to become one of the first in the world to offer guests home-country radio streaming off the phone.
'Not only that, we can programme the phone for return guests with their most frequently dialled numbers. And, if they forward us a picture of their family, we can display it as a screensaver on their colour IP phone. Now that is cutting-edge customer relationship management,' Mr Butcher said.
