| Journal: TWUK | Section: |
| Title: | Issue Date: 08/05/00 |
| Author: | Page Number: 31 |
| Copyright: Other |
Sofitel eyes corporate travellers
SOFITEL Hotels and Resorts is testing out a new concept room targeted at the corporate traveller.The Room of the Future is being trialled by clients at the Sofitel Paris Arc de Triomphe and includes various technological advances.
Gadgets include customised lighting with fingertip controls, blackout shades and a revolving television with LCD screen. The bathroom has a television screen inlaid into the mirror. The room also includes a touch-sensitive control panel which gives out aromatherapy fragrances including jasmine, sea breeze and anti-tobacco. There are also invisible speakers throughout the room.
Sales and marketing director Peter Haigh said: “This concept is geared towards the business traveller who needs to keep in touch, destress and have everything at his or her fingertips. By its innovation it could be perceived as being gimmicky but once people experience it they will realise that it is more functional.”
Haigh said initial response to the room had been positive. More Rooms of the Future will be included in plans for 12 new Sofitel properties being constructed over the next few years.