Claiming something is the "most technologically advanced" is a risky proposition, but in the battle for exposure to customers and massive competition, it's an important trend.
The Aria Resort & Casino in Las Vegas in one such hotel to make a big stance in recent weeks following a major overhaul of its digital strategy for guests.
The property says it is befitting of the title following the launch of its new mobile-led guest services and "unprecedented in-room technology".
Working with a technology provider called Crave Interactive, Aria has armed every guest room with a proprietary tablet device (Android-powered) that is constantly connected to the property's one megabit speed wifi and kitted out with a range of services.
Crave argues that the inclusion of the different functions and services is what sets the property apart from other hotels.
So what elements of the guest stay does the tablet include?
Dining
- Guests can order from a full in-room dining menu, schedule breakfast delivery for the next morning and book restaurant reservations directly through the tablet.
Housekeeping- Guests can manage their requests for turndown service, extra towels and pillows, or order additional beds or equipment for a room.
In-room packages- Customers can order in-room packages, with services delivered to a room and added to the final bill.
Spa- The Spa & Salon menu of services are available to view and secure a booking with a therapist.
In-room controls- Guests can adjust room lighting and temperature or set a personalized wake-up call that includes alarms such as the television turning on to a specific channel as the curtains automatically open. Controls can also be used to close all the curtains and turn off every light.
News- Each device has access to publications from around the world through the PressReader application.
Communication- Groups traveling together are able to access their itineraries, with multimedia messaging with graphics and video, and tools for hosts.
Language- Each tablet is available in a variety of languages, including English, Chinese, Japanese, Spanish, French, Portuguese, Italian and German.
Interestingly, perhaps the one area that lets the hotel down in terms of its "most advanced" claim is that it does not allow guests to use their own devices to access the same services.