We have posted in the past some interesting article regarding Microsofts' and B. Gates practices for the Hotel and general Leisure Industy. These can be read here and here. Seems that partnerships with Starwood Hotels keeps on as we found out by searching around...

• Sheraton University City Hotel.
  Hotel Improves Guest Experience and Revenue Through Innovative Use of Technology. Sheraton University City Hotel began researching alternative solutions at the end of 2005, but few service providers in the hospitality industry offered the tools and resources that Kapikian and his management team envisioned. He decided to try the eRoomsuite solution from SuiteLinq, which delivers communication services, on-demand entertainment, and business productivity software through thin-client terminals installed in customer rooms. More in this link.
• Sheraton and Microsoft in Unique Co-branding Partnership - Seeking o Appeal to the New Breed of Digital Lifestyle Guest. WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. - May 14, 2008 - Sheraton Hotels & Resorts and Microsoft Corp. announced today a partnership to implement products and services at the “Link @ Sheraton,” its signature communications hub rolling out in Sheraton lobbies this year. Under the agreement, Sheraton will also co-brand and rename the space “The Link @ Sheraton experienced with Microsoft.” The partnership is one component of a comprehensive effort to enhance and differentiate the guest experience at Sheraton’s 408 hotels across 75 countries, currently rolling out globally. Click here for more

Now, it seems that "clever" thinking hotels and hotel chains think indeed, beyond the obvious. They understand that the game for the customer acquisition and maintenance is not only good service but also excellent services. Yet where does this too much technology-during-holidays leads? Perhaps to a non-holiday feeling? or not? It is good for conference setups but what about the simple leisure and relaxation process. Do I want to drink my beverage under my pool umbrella and have to my left a laptop and to my right a pda? This is not holidays. Yet if you want indeed to be able to communicate seamless from anywhere in a hotel then indeed this is the solution.

Let's see what the future has for travellers.

A new era for all perhaps is on its way.