The Peninsula Palace Beijing: Technology

The Peninsula is the only hotel group in the world to have its own Research and Development facilities. All in-room technology is developed and then tested to perfection by the group's own development team of 19, including eight engineers who work out of a laboratory in Aberdeen on the south side of Hong Kong Island. Conducting its own proprietary research and development allows the group to design and produce technology tailor-made to meet the specific needs of its guests, ensuring that Peninsula Hotels continue to stay ahead of the latest technology available. "Our ideas come from listening to our guests and our own hotel experiences," explained Mr. Hickox, who along with senior Peninsula Hotels executives are constantly traveling and evaluating new needs for technology to address. "The hotel room is our guests' temporary space. Not just their work space, it is their home away from home to which they retire at the end of the day. As expectations grow, it is important that we provide facilities for our guests to unwind, and facilities that do not entail a technical education just to learn how to switch on the lights." Renovated in September 2003, the newly renovated rooms enjoy new facilities including 42" plasma television screen with cable channels, silent fax machines, high speed access, bathroom televisions, DVD players, two-line international direct dial telephones with voice mail and multi-function bedside electronic control panels. Guest rooms are designed so that every control and switch is located precisely where it's required and thus used by guests without having to think or search. Peninsula hotels are particularly renowned for their unique Bedside Control Panels that provide centralized and effortless control of temperature, lighting, telephones, alarm clock, curtains and audio-visual systems at the touch of a fingertip. Forgot to hang the Do Not Disturb sign on the door? Much easier than a sign, The Peninsula Do Not Disturb button on the Bedside Control Panel will light a display outside the door as well as silence the doorbell and notify housekeeping not to enter the room. At bedtime, when a guest turns off the lights, the bedside lights fade gently to black to avoid an abrupt plunge into darkness. Press the Night Light button and a softly lit path to the bathroom will appear to help navigation in the small hours of the morning. The hotels' luxuriously appointed bathrooms also incorporate the signature Peninsula technology to great advantage. Mood lighting with a choice of three distinct ambient settings allows guests to create an atmosphere tailored to their needs - whether getting ready to go out or relaxing in a hot bubble bath. In addition, televisions with steam-free screens and remote-control functions are installed above the bathtub. The technology also guarantees that guests are never out of touch (unless they want to be) by placing a hands-free telephone with controls near the tub, and telephones at the vanity counter and near the toilet. All are equipped with functions that automatically mute sound on the TV or radio for the duration of the call, and digitally filter the sound of running water and bathroom echo. When guests are ready to leave the room, they can check the outdoor temperature and humidity level on the convenient display located just inside the door - much easier than craning their necks out the window to see how people outside are dressed. Silent Fax machine with dedicated number for each room: Complimentary high speed internet access and dual voltage outlets: 42 inch plasma television and DVD player (each room equipped with two CD players for listening your pleasure; a selection of DVD movies are available for loan with compliments). Stereo System (suites only).