Royalton Hotel Turns iPad into Virtual Concierge

By Nick Mokey Published July 22, 2010

What’s playing on Broadway? Can I order the curry chicken salad? Where’s the best spot for a late-night drink?

Before you ring the front desk, consult your iPad.

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Taking the concept of complimentary hotel iPads one step further, the Royalton hotel in New York City will not only offer Apple iPads for every guest to use in all 168 of its room, they will come loaded with a virtual concierge app.

Guests can browse through the hotel’s amenities, peruse the room service menu and order food with the press of a finger, message the concierge for event tickets, arrange car service, and browse through a list of local attractions curated by the an in-house concierge and UrbanDaddy.

While guests are busy using the iPads to cater to their every whim, Royalton employees will also be using them to stay on top of their game behind the scenes. Employee iPads will allow instant messaging between staff, note broadcasts from the general manager, and act as a continuously updated directory of upcoming hotel events, specialty cocktails and featured menu items.

The Royalton will roll out its iPad service just in time for New York Fashion Week in September. Rates for that period, by the way, start at $369 for a standard room, and go up to $2,209 for an “A” penthouse suite.

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