Marriott Installing New TVs To Facilitate E-mail, Multi-Tasking

Marriott International this week said it would install technology in guest rooms that would let business travelers connect laptops to new 32-inch flat-panel television monitors, so they can view e-mail and the Internet on a bigger screen and, if they want, simultaneously watch other programming. Built in to the system is windowing technology that will allow travelers to watch movies or other television programs on one part of the monitor screen while another presents the laptop display.

In the second quarter, Marriott expects to start rolling out the high-speed connectivity through new televisions it will put in every rooms at three of its full-service brands worldwide: Marriott Hotels & Resorts, Renaissance Hotels & Resorts and JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts. Marriott's partner on the project is television manufacturer LG Electronics.

Marriott introduced the technology at its full-service management meeting in Orlando earlier this week, attended by more than 600 general managers from hotels worldwide. According to John Leary, Marriott senior vice president of domestic design and project management, business travelers increasingly use their guest rooms as surrogate offices and any technology that allows them to multi-task is welcome.

Business travelers consistently cite high-speed Internet access as the in-room amenity they most value.