CHICAGO - Oct. 21, 1998--Hyatt guests traveling with laptop
computers say that an in-room printer is high on their wish list. In response
to this customer feedback, Hyatt Hotels Corporation announced today it
is installing new, all-in-one printer/copier/fax machines in 5200 rooms
in approximately 90 Hyatt business hotels in the U.S. and Canada.
Demand for these machines is expected to be high -- additional Hyatt
research shows that almost two-thirds
of American business travelers use laptops when on the road. Whether it's
to print a proposal from a laptop, copy a spreadsheet or fax a memo back
to the office, guests in all Business Plan rooms will be able to use these
ink-jet, plain-paper machines and thus be more productive in the privacy
and comfort of their rooms. The new machines represent the first major
enhancement to Business Plan, Hyatt's popular program of business travel
services and amenities, since it was introduced in 1994. Previously, Hyatt
Business Plan rooms came with standard InnFax
machines that sent and received faxes. As the new machines are installed,
Hyatt plans to retain the standard machines and relocate them to select
guestrooms throughout the chain, almost doubling the total number of Hyatt
guestrooms equipped with a fax machine to approximately 10,000.
In addition to the more than 75 Hyatt hotels offering Business Plan,
the new machines also will be installed in approximately 15 other Hyatt
business hotels, where they will be placed in select suites and rooms in
Regency Club, Hyatt's VIP/concierge floor. InnFax service and the new machines,
called IBC-5000 Business Centers, are provided by Alphanet Hospitality
Systems Inc.
The decision to install the new machines comes after successful testing
and positive customer feedback at a Chicago-area Hyatt hotel. The machines
have been installed in approximately 20 Hyatt hotels todate. Almost all
of Hyatt's more than 90 business hotels are scheduled to receive the machines
by the end of December 1998.
Hyatt's Business Plan is the hotel industry's most extensive business
travel program. For a $20 upgrade fee, the program features the InnFax
Business Center machines, waived access charges on local, toll-free and
credit card phone calls; complimentary continental breakfast; coffee maker
with coffee; iron and ironing board; and hair dryer in every room. |