I�m delighted to say that the hardware has stood the test of time, and that the imposing structure is as breathtaking (on a clear day) as it ever was. There have also been some definite improvements to the hotel�s operation. The first is an upgrade to their software � the people with whom you come into contact on a regular basis � the staff. They are much warmer, friendlier, and many of them especially those located near elevators are wired up with headsets to announce your imminent arrival into one of their many F&B outlets. It�s a successful upgrade, and I�m delighted that their focus has switched from location, location, location � to people, people, people.

Another enhancement is the recently installed wireless internet access provided by China Netcom Corp., into certain public areas. Just pop into the 24-hour Business Center, request a (NOKIA) wireless LAN card, sign for or pay a refundable deposit of RMB2,000, and after completing a fairly simple installation process, you can be whizzing around the internet at light speed. I say light speed, because the hotel has been wired top to toe with fiber optic cables. 

We tested the installation with a couple of devices, one of which was a Tablet PC provided by Viewsonic (http://www.viewsonic.com/products/viewpad1000.cfm)  that has a built in video camera and touch screen. Along with Kevin King of Micros-Fidelio I experimented with this new technology, and was able to link up to the hotel�s PMS system using an external internet gateway. This facility allows someone like a GRO (Guest Relations Officer) or other mobile person to stay in touch with the hotel�s systems while on the move. A great facility and one that should pave the way for even better customer service. I understand that all of the hotels� 555 guestrooms have now been wired up with CAT 5 high-speed access, but I did not put that system to the test, since I mostly worked and attended meetings outside of my room in the public areas.

One other piece of technology that caught my eye was on the front desk where they have placed two black IBM LCD monitors for displaying information like exchange rates, weather and general tourist information. 

For my other few nights in town I moved over to the newly opened St. Regis where the conference was being held. I�d heard a lot about this property, and although it has reached its 100-day anniversary � the paint may still be wet in some areas. 

Without doubt, the General Manager � Cary Gray is very proud of his new baby, and during the conference he threw down the gauntlet against his would-be competitors. The hardware is overwhelming and without doubt, no expense has been spared in this US$110 million property situated in an area that is yet to be as developed as downtown Pudong. Again, hot-wired from top to toe, all of the public areas come wired and wireless internet access that presently comes with a zero usage cost to the guest. 

The hotel uses OPERA for their PMS, and has a Team of two persons running their extremely neat and tidy IS department which is headed by Roger Huang the IS Manager. Roger tells me that the system has never gone down since installation. They are running on Compaq hardware, and I would say that he has enough computing power for quite some time to come. The hotel has also been far-sighted enough to supply DECT (Digital Electronic Cordless telephones) for many of their key personnel to include the Butlers � located on each floor.

As soon as I checked into the property, I inserted my own 3COM wireless LAN card into my notebook and within 30 seconds was downloading my emails and chatting on line with friends back home while sipping a hot cup of Java in the lobby lounge. Moving from the lounge into any of the various function rooms was seamless, and I never lost a connection. This was further put to the test when Kevin and I tried a NetMeeting video conference while he roamed around the front desk looking for guests to interview, and I stayed in the lounge with my coffee and cigar.

The rooms are definitely designed for the road warrior � they have a very nice curved desk, equipped with reading light, ample power plugs (complete with adaptors), two phone lines and broadband internet connection. All rooms have a Herman-Miller Aeron chair which for those of you unfamiliar with this unit, will find it one of the very best on the market.

The in-room connections are good, I attained a 56k dial up connection to my ISP via iPASS, and the web phone which I happened to bring with me for the presentation, was plug n play on their broadband system.

I cannot fail to mention the bedside clock radio which is a BOSE Wave Radio including CD player. The unit has an LED display and so when you wake up in the middle of the night in a darkened room � there is no trouble in finding out the time. Although there were some pre-programmed stations, I like the comfort of my own music, and so by connecting one of the many cables I carry in my bag of tricks, I was able to connect my MP3 player to the AUX input and felt right @ Home.

Putting aside the miserable weather and the compactness of my seat in the plane, the trip to Shanghai was definitely a nice surprise

Terence Ronson [email protected]  http://www.pertlink.net

Terence started his career as a Chef, and acquired his wealth of practical experience and knowledge whilst holding various management positions with   Hilton International in Asia and at several prestigious establishments in the U.K. After developing a personal interest in computers and technology some twenty years ago, Terence has turned his attention on to this exciting and rapidly evolving aspect of the business, working with several  prominent IT related companies in the hospitality industry, applying their products and services so as to streamline businesses, improve profitability, and the guest experience.