Fiber optic cabling connects the Internet and its many capabilities at a minimum speed of 10 megabits of data per second (10mbs). This connection provides a reliable and quick way to accommodate at least 250 computer hook ups. At a moments' notice, the service can be expanded to 45 megabits per second connecting up to 1000 computers.

Typically, properties furnish T1 lines which provide 1.5 megabits per second or ISDN lines at 128 kilobytes per second. Both types of lines are temporarily installed and require an advance notice of 6 weeks. This process can be expensive. In comparison, the fiber optic cabling provided by The Westin Seattle can be accessed within minutes and is cost effective.

"We have found more companies want to incorporate the Internet into their meeting agenda," said Ken Broom, director of sales and marketing, "we are excited to be among the first hotels to offer this level of technology." The Westin Seattle is one of a handful of properties in the United States, the only in the Pacific Northwest, which offers this technology service to clients. The fiber optic cabling which provides this connection was installed during the 1997 renovation of the 40,000 square feet of meeting space.

Utilization of a Hotel Internet Connection
 
 

Companies who have used this technology feature at The Westin Seattle include Microsoft, the Washington State Software Association and Thunder Lizard Productions for their web design and publishing conferences.

The Westin Seattle, centrally located in downtown Seattle, is a four diamond, 891-room hotel with twin towers offering the only unobstructed views of Puget Sound, downtown and surrounding mountain ranges. The hotel is managed by Westin Hotels Resorts which represent over 100 of the finest hotels and resorts around the globe. Westin Hotels Resorts have been recognized for the past four consecutive years as the #1 upscale hotel chain by readers of Business Travel News in the "Survey of Top Hotel Chains."

Westin Hotels Resorts is owned by Starwood Hotels Resorts Worldwide, Inc., a hotel operating and management company whose shares are paired and trade together as a unit with Starwood Hotels Resorts (NYSE: HOT).