Sheraton Hotels & Resorts today announced a partnership with Microsoft Corp. to provide wireless Internet and computer stations in its lobbies that accelerates a program it began this spring and which already has rolled out at 66 properties globally. With Microsoft's partnership, the offering is planned to be available at more than 300 of its more than 400 properties globally by the end of this year.
Under the agreement, Sheraton lobby spaces will offer Windows-based computers for visitors to access e-mail, maps and other information. Some computers also will feature Webcams for video chat use.
The offering, now called "The Link @ Sheraton experience with Microsoft," is an enhancement of a technology initiative by Sheraton that is part of an almost $4 billion overhaul designed to boost the brand's image
(BTNonline, April 28). The lobby technology component includes free wireless Internet and computer stations for e-mail use, information searches and printing boarding passes.