The Plaza to Deliver In-Room Virtual Concierge this September

The Plaza, New York City's ultimate luxury destination, will offer iPads in all guest rooms and suites featuring the first virtual concierge application available on the tablet devices. The landmark hotel on Central Park South is partnering with Orlando-based Intelity to provide guests services and amenities using iPads and Intelity's ICE (Interactive Customer Solution) software solution.

The iPads will feature a multimedia video welcome and provide guests easy, touch screen access to control their entire hotel experience. Services guests will have at their fingertips include ordering room service, making restaurant reservations, communicating with the concierge, requesting wake-up calls, exploring NYC destination guides, and even checking airline schedules and printing boarding passes. The devices will also be pre-loaded with leisure and business friendly applications such as newspapers, and guests will also be able to browse the Web. The Plaza first started offering iPads for guests to use while dining in The Palm Court. Hotel managers quickly realized the popularity of the devices with guests, and decided to extend the program beyond the restaurant, into the guest room.Õ

"For over 100 years, The Plaza has set the standard for luxury and since opening our doors, guests at our hotel experienced many firsts in travel. Today, luxury is being redefined to not only include actual products but how something enhances an experience or fulfills a need," says Shane Krige, general manager of The Plaza. "Guests can now enjoy in-demand, innovative technology and access to our five-star offerings at their convenience — a true luxury for many."Õ

In addition, The Plaza will also offer ICE Mobile, allowing guests to download the hotel's Virtual Concierge Application on iTunes or www.theplaza.com, with versions for iPhone, Blackberry and Android. Ideal for guests on the run or future guests who want to get a head start on trip plans, the application will offer the full array of services offered in-rooms on guests' mobile phones, whether it be setting up a wake-up call, pre-ordering room service, making a spa appointment or simply requesting an extra towel.

The iPads featuring ICE technology will be available in The Plaza's guest rooms and suites in September 2010. The mobile application will also launch at that time.