Comfort Suites Delivers In-Room Re-Charge Station that Guests Demand
Industry-Leading Amenity Rolled Out in Response to General Consumer Need for More Tech-Friendly Features
As new technologies change and develop, so do the travel needs for today's modern traveler. More and more hotel guests across the industry are calling out for in-room amenities that are more tech-friendly and useful for their everyday needs, specifically the ability to re-charge all of their gizmos and gadgets in one convenient, easy-to-use location.
The new in-room device, available in all Comfort Suites brand property guestrooms by next summer, is designed to secure to virtually any desk and instantly provides three standard AC and two USB power outlets. The people behind the Comfort Suites brand launched the new program in direct response to real guest feedback.
"Direct feedback from guests showed a clear need to provide more easily accessible in-room power outlets," said Christina Williamson, senior director of brand planning for the Comfort Suites brand at Choice Hotels. "With business travelers in particular, we know that a hotel room is often used as an 'office away from the office' and today's modern work environment includes a ergonomic desk and chair, plenty of desktop workspace, good light, and more than ever, ample power outlets for computes, phones, cameras, and more. We're thrilled to be the first to offer this solution to business travelers."
Comfort Suites brand research identified a true pain point for business travelers-they don't want to have to get down on their hands and knees to search for available outlets and they don't want to have to travel with their own power strips. By requiring a simple, centrally located re-charge device capable of providing surge-protected power to multiple mobile gadgets, Comfort Suites hotels are able to deliver a more uniformed and improved in-room work experience, one worthy of even the most demanding and productive road warriors. The new re-charge station was designed by Brandstand Products based largely on the functionality requested by the Comfort Suites brand.
"This new re-charge device is part of the brand's Your Suite SuccessTM program, which is a special set of amenities and services designed specifically for the business traveler and unique to the Comfort Suites brand," added Williamson. "Our goal is to help guests create the hassle-free stay experience business travelers need so that they can leave refreshed and ready to take on the day after staying at one of our 600-plus Comfort Suites hotel locations."
In May 2011, the Comfort Suites brand, along with Comfort Inn, rolled out an entirely new design concept, featuring a warm color palette and familiar yet refreshing design elements. The new aesthetic includes a warmly-lit signature entry, redesigned lobbies will dark wood-style flooring, and flexible seating featuring plush sofas and lounge chairs in cozy groupings. The Comfort Suites prototype specifically will help to make technology even more accessible to its guests with an interactive touch screen as well as business center and free Wi-Fi in the lobby. Comfort Suites hotels will also feature added features like a breathtaking two-story lobby, convenient market place, and redesigned fitness center. Redesigned Comfort Suites guestrooms will be large and especially plush, offering spa-like baths with oversized showers, signature sectional sleeper sofas and ottomans as well as in-room refrigerators and microwaves. Travelers will begin to see the new look and feel in Comfort Suites hotels opening next fall; amenities will vary by location
Brandstand Products, a subsidiary of TXS Industrial Design Inc., offers innovatively designed, user-friendly amenity products for the hospitality industry. In 1986, TXS Industrial Design was created to provide design services for consumer products, telecommunications and transportation industries. In 2005, TXS launched Brandstand Products and introduced its first hotel amenity product - the Brandstand Cable Holder. Through TXS' experience designing cable devices for several clients and the valuable input from hotel managers, a clever idea was born. In 2008, Brandstand Products introduced its second inspired amenity - the Brandstand Alarm Clock. Since then, Brandstand Products has been designing and adapting technology solutions to expand their product line. Brandstand Products' customers ranges from the independent hotelier to some of the largest property management and corporate companies in North America. Their products can be seen in hotels throughout the world. For more information about TXS Industrial Design, Inc., please visit their website at www.txsdesign.com
Choice Hotels International, Inc. franchises more than 6,100 hotels, representing more than 490,000 rooms, in the United States and more than 30 other countries and territories. As of September 30, 2011, 430 hotels were under construction, awaiting conversion or approved for development in the United States, representing more than 35,000 rooms, and 94 hotels, representing approximately 8,700 rooms, were under construction, awaiting conversion or approved for development in more than 20 other countries and territories. The company's Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Quality, Sleep Inn, Clarion, Cambria Suites, MainStay Suites, Suburban Extended Stay Hotel, Econo Lodge and Rodeway Inn brands serve guests worldwide. In addition, via its Ascend Collection membership program, travelers in the United States, Canada and the Caribbean have upscale lodging options at historic, boutique and unique hotels. Additional corporate information may be found on the Choice Hotels International, Inc. Web site, which may be accessed at www.choicehotels.com