Jetsettersblog

CityCenter will offer the most advanced guestroom technology in the country at Aria Resort & Casino; the Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas; and The Harmon Hotel, Spa & Residences, when the development opens on the Las Vegas Strip in late 2009, according to MGM Mirage, which is co-developing the project with Dubai World. CityCenter collaborated with Control4 Corporation to develop personalized automation for every guestroom, a luxury previously only available in high-end custom homes and select resort suites. Coupled with Control4’s next-generation automation will be CityCenter’s ability to network every guestroom device via 1 gigabit of bandwidth.

Guestrooms and suites will be programmed to recognize if guests are approaching the unit for the first time and “greet” them as they enter. Light will fill the room, the curtains automatically will part, and the TV will turn on to display a list of automated controls for guests to personalize.

The rooms will offer one-touch control of guestroom features, including lighting, room temperature, television/video systems, music, wake-up calls, draperies and requests for services via a single remote control. In addition, each nightstand will feature a 7-inch panel with touch-screen technology that navigates the same room settings as the remote. All settings will be remembered and incorporated every time a guest is in the room.

Having all guestroom devices on one network will enable guests to select “scenes” matching their moods or preferences, which modify all settings at once. For example, each room will feature a “good night” button next to the bed. With one touch, guests can turn off the lights, TV and/or music; shut the curtains; and turn on the privacy notification for the room. Similarly, guests can utilize the TV’s sleep mode to accomplish the same result on a timer.

All guestrooms will incorporate keyless locks utilizing RFID technology, which enables guests to unlock the door by flashing their key over the lock sensor. The electronic key cannot be demagnetized, thus reducing key failure.

Each room will include a 42-inch, LCD HDTV that will allow guests to connect their laptops, as well as watch domestic and international channels, plug in video devices such as game consoles or cameras, control room automation, and use their MP3 players. The television also will serve as a communications center. When on, it will automatically display messages pertaining to new voicemails or package receipts, for example.

The clock radio will be replaced with TV settings that can wake guests up gradually through controlled temperature, lighting, curtain opening and preferred music. Each room will feature dimmable lighting. All guestrooms will be networked, offering 1 gigabit of bandwidth, delivering connectivity with the Internet and hotel operations. Wireless Internet connectivity will be up to eight times faster (128 kilobytes) than that of the average U.S. guestroom today.

With the increased bandwidth, guests will be able to legally download copyrighted content like music and movies or free Internet content like YouTube videos quickly and easily. All in-room devices also will be on the network, enabling the property to “communicate” with the room to perform special requests or maintenance. Whether a remote needs new batteries or a mini bar needs replenishing, most needs will be identified and resolved before the guest is even aware. CityCenter will have the largest Distributed Antenna System in the world, covering more than 14 million square feet. More than 6,500 antennas, coupled with over 2,900 wireless access points, will enable Wi-Fi in every room and throughout the CityCenter campus.

CityCenter’s in-room technology will offer a non-obtrusive way to conserve precious resources like energy and water. Green settings on the room’s remote system will allow guests the opportunity to voluntarily “green their stay” by indicating their preferred light level, room temperature and frequency of linen and towel changes. Systems also can be programmed to automatically put a room into unoccupied status upon checkout, turning down or off the heating/cooling system, televisions, lights and any appliances.

For more information, call 866-722-7171 or visit www.citycenter.com