TRYP lobby — home to LobbyFriend.

Hotel guests fall into two categories – those who want to meet and mingle with other guests and those who can’t think of anything worse.

At first glance, LobbyFriend, a new travel app that lets guests connect with others registered at the hotel, seems aimed squarely at the first group. But LobbyFriend is nimble. Even if you’re in the second camp keep reading. This app could be for you, too.

The app — available on iPhones, Androids, Blackberries (coming in June), the new Nokia Lumia 900 (in the works) and in a web version – made its debut at Manhattan’s new TRYP New York Times Square South and is up and running at some 130 properties around the world. To learn more, we talked with Jason Ayoub, a Canadian chartered accountant with an entrepreneurial streak who co-founded the company. (more…)

After smartphones, can smart TVs be far behind? Hyatt thinks so.

This week the company announced plans to install new televisions with internet capability in the guest rooms of its full-service hotels in the US, Canada and the Caribbean over the next two years. Compared to standard flatpanel TVs, Hyatt’s new televisions are downright brainy.

The big screen.

Fingering a TV remote or a portable keyboard, guests can use the television to access Facebook or Twitter, order room service, contact an airline, request fresh towels or view local restaurant recommendations. They can stream a movie from their Netflix account, download a document to be printed or receive a message about a business meeting in the hotel. They can also, of course, watch TV.

It sounds like the ultimate on-screen mash-up – entertainment system, concierge, front desk and business center rolled into one. And it’s added proof, as if needed, that in-room technology has muscled past mattresses and creative mini-bars as the go-to amenity for hotel chains battling to be top dog. In short, it’s good news for guests. (more…)

Add the TV zapper to the list of hotel room amenities one step closer to the junk heap.

Last week LodgeNet, the largest provider of in-room entertainment, introduced a new app that lets hotel guests use their smartphones to operate the TV. The free LodgeNet Mobile App turns an iPhone, iPad or Android into a hotel room remote control that does it all –  turns the TV on and off, adjusts the sound and accesses free TV, on-demand TV and pay-per-view movies.  The app also serves up information about the hotel and local events, restaurants, maps and attractions. (more…)

The Royalton iPad.

What’s the next hotel room amenity destined for the slag heap littered with CD players and tube TVs? Our guess: the in-room phone with its push-button call list for the concierge, room service and housekeeping.

At least, that’s how we felt after road testing the Royalton’s iPad, a slender, black-leather-framed amenity that sits on the desk in every room at the hotel, fully loaded and ready to multi-task. (more…)