The Link@Sheraton Connects Users to Windows 7

NYConvergence ORIGINAL

By: Gloria Sin

(The Link at Sheraton NY Hotel and Towers. Photo credit: Starwood Hotel)

Sheraton NY Hotel and Towers is giving Starbucks a run for its money by opening its doors and Wi-Fi network to both locals and hotel guest to mingle in its Microsoft-equipped lobby, Link@Sheraton, for free. The global hotel chain is banking on the increase traffic in the space to translate into food and beverage sales at the Link Café, which caters to the Link’s users, as well as build brand loyalty in users toward future stays.

(Link Café inside Sheraton NY Hotel and Towers. Photo credit: Starwood Hotel)

Microsoft’s hospitality solutions director Sandra Andrews and developer evangelist Asli Bilgin told NYConvergence by phone that the Manhattan* location is one of the first in the world to feature desktops running Windows 7, HP TouchSmart monitors that make use of Windows 7’s multi-touch capabilities, Web cams for video postcards powered by Silverlight and even a television (is an Xbox 360 next?). Bilgin noted the new OS’s integration with Live Mesh, the media-center-in-the-cloud meets PCAnywhere service, means business travelers can now leave their external hard drives at home by accessing important files on the Web instead. “It’s all about helping travelers stay connected,” explained Andrews.

Most of all, it’s about physically and digitally connecting people in a common space so they can “be alone but not lonely,” said Hoyt Harper, Sheraton’s senior vice president of brand management. So, in addition to the Link in the lobby, the company is also working on a hyperlocal social network for guests to share recommendations for restaurants and attractions.

How else can Sheraton use technology to enhance your hotel stay? Share your ideas in the comments below.

Related:
> Windows 7 RTM Available Weeks Before October 22
> 10 Things to Know about Microsoft's Live Mesh
> Link@Sheraton Uses Windows 7 to Enhance Guest Experience

*Other Sheratons in the tri-state area and worldwide continue to be upgraded to provide the same Link@Sheraton experience as the location in Times Square. (Check out this list for other upgraded locations.)

Comments

[used computers]

I think it’s all about helping travelers stay connected.