InterContinental arms concierges with iPad 2 for face-to-face chats

InterContinental is continuing its modestly pioneering use of the Apple iPad with an enhanced version of its concierge application to allow consultations with staff before a trip.

IHG was one of the first hotel chains to introduce an iPad app, following the device's launch in 2010, but has stepped up its activity to coincide with the second incarnation of the iPad going on sale last weekend.

Customers due to stay at ten of the chain's flagship hotels in ten countries around the world will be able to use the iPad's FaceTime visual chat system to talk directly to hotel concierges.

The hotels are in New York, San Francisco, Atlanta, Houston, London, Dubai, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Tokyo and Bali.

Guests will also be able to the service on FaceTime enabled iPhone 4 and iPod Touch devices as well as on a Mac.

Other features in the new app include destination-specific concierge videos, interactive globe with Google Maps, recommendations and other suggested itineraries.