An international first for hotel in-room entertainment

Jul 05, 07 | 7:58 am

City Inn develops a MAC-based solution to provide a computer in every room and much more.

The City Inn Group has set a new industry benchmark with the introduction of a groundbreaking multimedia iMac solution in every guestroom of its stunning new property in Manchester. 

The hotel opened its doors on 28th May 2007, City Inn Manchester showcases a first in in-room technology; each of the 285 guestrooms are equipped with an iMac (including access to iLife 06 suite of applications, high speed internet access, a full suite of Office software, ability to play iPod and ability to video conference using an in-built iSight camera). Each iMac also functions as a TV, radio, DVD and CD player, providing the guest with the ultimate, integrated, solution.

City Inn, in partnership with software solutions provider DirectStreams, has developed a bespoke solution that takes the high quality functionality of iMac and tailors it for use in the hotel environment.  All standard rooms will have a high definition 20-inch screen allowing the customer simple navigation between TV, DVD, computer etc using the iMac's remote control. 

Customers will be able to load files via a USB port, work on them in the normal way, and save them to a memory stick safe in the knowledge that, every time the iMac is closed down, Deep Freeze software will clean down any new information on the computer and restore it to its original state.

The system offers 38 television channels, 23 radio stations and a DVD/CD player for which guests can choose movies or music from the extensive free library, available at the guest services desk.  The system will allow customers to play music via iPod (or other MP3 player) as well as giving access to iTunes, iChat, iPhoto, iMovie and an in-built iSight video camera for conferencing, providing the most comprehensive in-room entertainment system currently existing in the market place. 

Consistent with City Inn's philosophy of providing a transparent offering, no charge is made for use of the iMac, internet access or the DVD/CD library.

As quoted by Huw O'Connor, Managing Director of City Inn "City Inn is a new innovative brand; our entire offering (buildings, interiors, restaurants, bars and customer service) has been developed from scratch in an attempt to provide the customer with a stylish modern alternative to the typical chain hotel. 

This development, which may well be a world first for a large scale city centre hotel, is entirely consistent with that ethos. 

It is increasingly the case that neither the modern home or the modern office can function efficiently without a computer and we believe, that in the future, the same may well be said about the hotel room. 

With this solution we have taken an outstanding piece of kit from one of the world's foremost technology providers to give customers what they should rightfully expect; ‘an in-room entertainment/multimedia capability that is equal to that which they will have in their home or in their office'.

We are particularly pleased to be launching this system in our new Manchester hotel, not least as the city has a proud history of pioneering innovation.  In it's Victorian hey day it was said that "what Manchester does today, the world will do tomorrow" and I am sure that with the introduction of computers to hotel rooms this will once again be the case." 

About City Inn Manchester
Occupying a landmark site at the gateway to Manchester within the new Piccadilly Place development, City Inn Manchester provides 285 guest rooms including six suites and a penthouse duplex suite. The hotel combines state of the art facilities, technology and services with 12 stunning meeting, event and private dining suites, including the Sky Lounge with panoramic views of the cityscape.

City Inn Manchester will also bring a new stylish cocktail lounge bar, Piccadilly Lounge, and a new restaurant for Manchester, City Café with the best of British and European cuisine from freshly sourced ingredients, successfully combining tradition and innovation. Al Fresco dining on the "sunny" summer terrace to City Café will complete the cosmopolitan appeal. City Inn Manchester will be an exciting new addition to visitor accommodation for the city, whether for business, leisure or cultural visits. For locals, this award winning brand will bring destination bars, restaurant, private dining, meeting and event spaces that will dramatically increase the perception of style and quality within the City.

About City Inn
Whilst still a relatively young brand, City Inn is becoming known as a market leader in the city centre lifestyle sector and has developed a large, loyal customer following.  Their reputation for innovation and excellence in new build city centre hotels has been recognised by the industry and consumers through a number of top awards and accolades including; Best Business Hotel, Business Travel World Awards 2007 & 2006; City Inn Westminster Group Hotel of the Year 2005,Caterer & Hotelkeeper Awards; Best UK Hotels - 2nd' Guardian/Observer Travel Awards 2006, to name but a few.

City Inn focuses on building and operating brand new contemporary styled hotels to highest engineering standards in prime city centre locations. Delivering beyond the customer's expectations is central to the brand's philosophy whether a visitor or local, enjoying a business or cultural stay in the city.  Initiatives have ranged from "no password" free WiFi broadband in all public areas and a computer in each guest room to "curated" art exhibitions, 24 hour Room Service and Guest Services teams always on hand to help out within a modern, informal but professional environment.

 Founded by Sandy Orr, Donald MacDonald and David Orr in 1995, the City Inn brand and company was created completely from scratch providing contemporary luxury with a culture of personalised service and commitment to putting the customer first. Each hotel features the highly acclaimed City Café destination restaurant characterised by the al fresco terraces for the summer, with exceptional chefs offering modern European dining with panache and flair. The design and modernity of the buildings reflect the close relationship between architect and client, ensuring that the buildings are great for the cities as well as customers.

 City Inn is now recognised as one of the UK's most exciting new hotel groups, with five Hotels open. The company is continuing to pursue a strategy of developing City Inn in prime UK and international city centres, with projects in advanced development on secured sites in Leeds - the UK's fastest growing city and largest financial centre outside of the capital, a second site in London and the first international development in Amsterdam. For more information on City Inn visit the website www.cityinn.com