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News for the Hospitality Executive


The Chicago O'Hare Crowne Plaza Attracts Business
with Unique Technology Perks
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Focus on the business traveler includes
real-time flight information

Chicago, IL November 12, 2007 � Turn on the television these days and chances are it won�t take long before you see one or more commercials touting the amazing amenities offered by competing hotel brands.  And, with more than 500 million business trips taken annually in the United States, according to the Travel Industry Association of America, corporate road warriors make up a large slice of that market pie.  Is it any wonder then that a great many of those hotel amenities are aimed at pleasing business travelers?

Take for instance the Crowne Plaza Chicago O�Hare, located directly across the street from the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center and just 1.5 miles from the airport.  With its proximity to the Convention Center, 503 guest rooms, its own ample meeting space designed specifically to optimize business functions, and a dedicated Meeting Director, the Crowne Plaza is known in the Windy City as �The Place to Meet.�  According to Jessica Rivera, director of sales and marketing, the focus on business travelers even extends to their in-room, pre-sleeping comfort.  �Our Sleep Advantage Program�® provides each guest with a sleep amenity kit including eye masks, lavender scented spray, night lights in each bathroom, a guaranteed wakeup call and a special sleep CD developed by experts,� she notes. 

Attracting more than guests

One of the most popular amenities the Crowne Plaza recently installed is in the hotel�s busy lobby, and it is not just their own guests who flock there to benefit from it.  �Almost from the minute we installed the FlyteTouch airline flight information kiosk, word got around and attendees visiting the Convention Center came in and started using it.  Flight crews utilize it all the time to check on their flight information status, and distressed passengers use it to plan their best options for alternate flights.�  Rivera said, �It is a great monthly fee service that pays for itself.� 

Providing Vital, Real-time Flight Information

FlyteTouch, developed by Chicago-based Flyte Systems, is a kiosk with touch screen monitor designed for use in hotel lobbies, conference centers, restaurants, bars and other public areas that display airport travel information for one or more airports.  What sets it apart from other PC-based systems is its ability to post accurate real time flight information, not FAA-regulated scheduled departure times that do not list delays caused by:

  • Air Traffic Control 
  • Aircraft maintenance 
  • Crew availability 
  • Weather
Rivera notes she also uses FlyteTouch to sell the hotel to meeting planners.  �It�s part of our overall service package:  WiFi, a dedicated business center, professional meeting space, and real-time flight information.  Business people really love it,� she said.  Not only that, Rivera notes the hotel staff utilizes FlyteTouch in the evenings to check for significant delays and cancellations at O�Hare that usually mean a rush of distressed passengers.  �Knowing early that flights are grounded, gives our desk staff time to prepare to accommodate the rush of stranded travelers.�

�I look at FlyteTouch as a revenue generator,� Rivera said, �when someone comes in to check their flight status and sees a delay.  Instead of heading to the airport, they grab something to eat at the hotel or get a drink in the bar and stay here where it is more comfortable.�  She calls it a win-win for the hotel and its visitors.  �It seems like there is always at least one person standing at FlyteTouch checking flights,� she said.  As proof positive of its value, Rivera acknowledges, �I use it myself all the time.�

About Flyte Systems

The Flyte Systems Division of Industrial Television Services (ITS), based in Chicago, Illinois, is the leading provider of airport flight information displays for the hospitality and convention center industries and related businesses.  It delivers accurate, instant, airport-centric updates of flight information � not FAA-regulated scheduled departure times that may omit last minute changes.  Properties are able to differentiate their products and boost customer loyalty and repeat business with �glance-and-go� content critical to a traveler�s day. 

Flyte Systems� product suite builds upon ITS� 47-year history as the leading provider of live flight information to airports, airlines, government agencies, port authorities and other travel based businesses.  Flyte Systems was formed in 2007 to offer new Web-based travel technology and product lines.  Customers include Marriott, Days Inn, Hilton, DoubleTree, Hotel Sofitel, and Crown Plaza hotels, independent properties and municipal aiports.

About The Crowne Plaza Chicago O�Hare 

Our Chicago O�Hare hotel is convenient for both business and leisure travelers. While business travelers appreciate its location near the airport, leisure guests take notice of the hotel amenities, friendly service and multiple dining options.  In addition to our hotel restaurants, we also provide additional services and amenities designed to keep all guests comfortable, including Airport Flight Display and Boarding Pass Printing, Full-Service Business Center, Newly Renovated Indoor Pool and Fitness Center.  Convenient access to all major expressways and the Chicago El train allows guests to enjoy all that Chicago has to offer. Surrounded by the most popular Chicago and Rosemont activities, our hotel Concierge will be happy to point you in the right direction. The Crowne Plaza Chicago O�Hare strives to go beyond our guests� expectations. 

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Contact:

Flyte Systems
Debbie Kalish, Account Executive
3515 Martens Street
Franklin Park, IL 60131
Phone: (877) 463-5983
Email: [email protected]
www.flytesystems.com

Crowne Plaza Chicago O�Hare
Jessica Rivera, Director of Sales and Marketing
Phone: (847) 928-3717
[email protected]
www.CrownePlazaOhare.com

Media Contact:
Julie Keyser-Squires, APR
Softscribe Inc.
[email protected]
(404)256-5512
http://www.softscribeinc.com

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Also See: Flyte Systems Installs Airline Flight Information Display at Javits Center for IH/M&R Show; Meet me at the FlyteBoard- IH/MRS attendees confirm airline flights on FlyteBoard in Javits Center lobby, make confident travel plans / November 2007
Sofitel Chicago O'Hare's European Style Embraces Guest Airline Services; The focus on amenities like FlyteBoard delivers a value-add for business travelers / October 2007
Westin Boston Waterfront Hotel Provides Guests with Airline Flight Information To Speed Their Travels; Real-time airline departure-arrival screens set The Westin Boston Waterfront apart / October 2007
Flyte Systems Installs Airline Flight Information Displays at Berger Hotels; Updated airline departure-arrival screens keep guests and revenue on property / September 2007
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