hotel

A 5-star hotel on wheels

Even some of the most jaded Cravers were admittedly impressed by the recently cited $1 million-plus RV and its over-the-top appointments. But less than a week later, it's already been topped by an even more outrageous concept.

The Spanish-made "Hotel Movil" isn't just a mobile home: It's a mobile hotel. Or motel, as the case may be. In fact, OhGizmo says it can convert to pretty much anything you want--"a mobile hospital, a portable film studio and even a school"--because it must be built to custom specs anyway. Yet its primary … Read more

The problem with hotel rooms: Where's the innovation?

As I sit in a hotel room and write this, I can't help but think that most hotels are behind the curve. As I sit on this king bed, I'm looking at a 27-inch standard-def TV and a couple of old-fashioned telephones. There's no DVD player and the video games available to me on the TV are played with the help of a Nintendo 64 controller. Am I missing something? I know I'm not staying in the Ritz-Carlton or some other fancy hotel, but come on! Can't I get something innovative?

Are your experiences the … Read more

Samsung's latest release: Beyonce

If Samsung knows anything, it's marketing. It's a key reason that the South Korean company has gone from being known as a lower-end electronics brand to an international powerhouse in what seems like just a few years. The latest evidence: Beyonce.

GeekSugar, our favorite techno-celeb watcher, reports that the mega-star has been spotted filming her first commercial in downtown Manhattan under a new deal to represent Samsung Electronics. Perhaps this latest career move was influenced by the marketing genius of Jay-Z, who reportedly has made many more millions from his clothing lines and other businesses than he did … Read more

Surf in comfort with PC-chair combo

You may have seen something like this at a hotel or airport, but now it could be coming to your home (if you have an understanding spousal unit or significant other).

The Ronda Media Chair has a built-in computer with a router integrated into the frame and a power cord in the back. As Coolest Gadgets points out, no prices are available without asking the company directly.

The Ronda also includes optional creature comforts such as a matching two-seater bench or end table. If they can figure out a way to build in a coffee maker and a fridge, we'… Read more

Hotels give 'CrackBerry' addicts a hand

"CrackBerry" addicts are getting much-needed help from, of all things, the hotel industry.

A few months back, the Sheraton Chicago made headlines by offering afflicted guests a harsh but effective cold-turkey treatment that put their BlackBerries under lock and key. Now, Hyatt hotels are offering a special hand massage designed to counter the dreaded "BlackBerry Thumb" malady.

The therapy begins with heat treatment and uses a "BlackBerry Balm" that "focuses on counteracting tension on various hand and arm muscles, specifically in the thumbs and overworked wrists," Hyatt said, adding that a 30-minute … Read more

Say goodbye to surly hotel clerks

It's been rumored that hotel clerks can sometimes be--how shall we put it--not exactly the most cheerful people around. (Holiday Inn, are you listening?) So this may come as welcome news for those weary travelers who have had the occasional urge to reach across the front desk and throttle anyone wearing a blue blazer and a name tag.

Tokyo-based Pink Tentacle reports that Japanese researchers are working on "unmanned hotels" featuring a system of RFID credit card keys that could be used for everything from making reservations to opening room doors. The possibilities are endless: If such … Read more