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Best Geek Hotels in 2009

April 20, 2009 at 11:54 AM | by HotelChatter | 38 Comments

As we near the end of the first decade of this new millennium, we are tempted to reflect on just how far technology has come since the panic days of Y2K back in the late nineties. The Newton is dead; long live the iPhone. Geocities beget Friendster beget MySpace beget Facebook. And of course, everyone is adding a "tw" prefix to absolutely everything.

What hasn't changed in ten plus years is the fact that the hotel industry has done its best to keep up with the latest technological advances, upgrading rooms with flat-screen TVs, offering guests gaming systems like the Wii or the Playstation in-room or poolside and, in some very awesome cases, placing iMacs in the guest rooms.

Without further ado, here are our annual picks for Best Geek Hotels in 2009. This year, each list entry has its own video tour, hand-crafted by HotelChatter editors and contributors. Enjoy.


 Killer App For Authors? Kindle For Guests: Guests at The Algonquin can swing by the front desk and check out (free of charge!) one of the hotel's two Amazon Kindles, which come fully loaded with a couple of best-sellers, some classics, and, naturally, books written by the hotel's famous Round Table members. You can also download your own books onto the hotel's Kindles using your Amazon.com account.

>>Watch Video and Read More
One Step Short Of Stalking Your Fellow Guests The guestrooms here at Mama Shelter have 24" iMacs in them but what we really love is the iBooth in the hotel's restaurant that snaps pics and circulates the images around the various wall-mounted TVs, giving you free license to ogle your fellow guests without looking like a creepster.

>>Watch Video and Read More
Apple-izing In-Room Entertainment: We wouldn’t normally put a budget business hotel chain down as geek heaven, but the UK's City Inn brand has done itself proud by installing iMacs in all its rooms to take care of your TV, radio and computer needs.

>>Watch Video and Read More
Private Lobby Pods Include Outlets, WiFi and Flat Screen TVs: Courtyard By Marriott is nearly synonymous with business travelers and airport hotels. But as of late this brand is doing whatever it takes to become and stay relevant. And we have to say it's working. We visited one of their newly renovated lobbies and we were mighty impressed by the Media Pods.

>>Watch Video and Read More
Rumors Of The Business Center's Death Are Greatly Exaggerated: The business center at the SLS Hotel at Beverly Hills might be the coolest biz center yet. That's because black MacBooks which operate on either the Mac OS or Windows await you.

>>Watch Video and Read More
HotelChatter editors Jenna Bromberg, Julia Buckley, Eric Rosen and Juliana Shallcross also contributed to this report.

38 Comments

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  1. juliana

    HotelChatter Editor

    i cant decide what i like best

    these are all rad amenities that hotels are offering to guests. but me loving paris so much, i have to say that i cant wait to go to mama shelter and have my picture taken. :)
    April 20, 2009 at 1:43 PM
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  1. JetSetCD

    HotelChatter Contributing Editor

    Mama yea

    I've got to list my top two as 1: Mama Shelter Paris' picture ogling and 2: Courtyard's Media Pods. I'm a pro at crashing hotel lobbies for their free wifi, and Courtyard's dealios sounds mighty cozy.
    April 20, 2009 at 1:48 PM
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  1. markj

    HotelChatter

    Jersey

    Argh.  Looks like I have to go to Jersey to get an East Coast pod --
    April 20, 2009 at 5:08 PM
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  1. zayapac

    HotelChatter Member

    Not sure what qualifies as Geek Hotel... but...

    Ok... I am a Geek at heart... but getting a Kindle for rental is cool... but if that is all they offer that doesn't make it geek enough for me... Cool but not geeky enough...

    Mama Hotel... integrating picture capture technology within the hotel, very cool... using iMacs for everything in the room... Very Geeky...

    City Inn should be #1 or #2... simply for the fact that they provide boundless outlets for all your geek equipment and an IT Doctors Kit at the front desk... that is an idea I will soon be implementing... iMacs in room networked with front desk printers... Geek A+... DVDs at front desk, for tech noobs... geeks don't watch DVDs... and not 1 but 2 iMacs with a Bose sound system... way cool...

    Courtyard Pods... disappointed... I was thinking maybe individual pods that provide some privacy... so, this makes them somewhat geeky but no way top 10

    I think someone has to have higher geek standards... if you are listing top geek hotels how can you not name Hotel 1000... Possibly the best for all Geeks...
    http://www.hotel1000seattle.com/explore-tech.html and http://www.hotel1000seattle.com/explore-tech2.html for a list of their geekiness... I hope you edit this list and

    May 8, 2009 at 12:44 PM
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  1. dicon

    HotelChatter Member

    hotel

    One Step Short Of Stalking Your Fellow Guests
    this one looks really really great
    I liked the article
    May 28, 2009 at 8:36 AM
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  1. jux2009

    HotelChatter Member

    Hotel Technical equipment.

    For me a good hotel must have a great technical equipment, Flat-TV (LCD OLED, Plasma, Laser-Tv, Wifi, Media Center and so on.
    I don´t understand why many hotels doesn´t have Wireless Lan.
    June 15, 2009 at 9:46 AM
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  1. gulfcapt24

    HotelChatter Member

    Hotel Technical Equipment

    I agree that hotels should have some awesome technical equipment, Tv's etc. My dream hotel there would be a mini stage and distortion pedal to rock out my music. It really does make a huge difference to wireless internet also.
    June 16, 2009 at 12:39 AM
    #Permalink

  1. Jesse

    HotelChatter Member

    As a frequent traveler I love progress like this

    Im my 15 years of business travel I have seen some dives and some fabulous hotels. I do have to say though, the list you have compiled here will definitely make me change my lodging for a few places I go. Thanks for a great article and some very useful information. If only every hotel took after the great ones. Thanks,
    Jesse
    June 16, 2009 at 1:53 AM
    #Permalink

  1. Webmaster and SEO tips and tutorials

    HotelChatter Member

    Brilliant stuff from these hotels

    ones like Mama Shelter and SLS Hotel at Beverly Hills are just too brilliant. the fact that only the executive class can afford these is a diff matter altogether.. but while providing such wonderful services to its guests, these hotels really rule!
    June 16, 2009 at 3:57 AM
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  1. Velsen

    HotelChatter Member

    What sort of geek hotel would be complete

    without a role playing game library? Or maybe that's taking it a bit far, but I do tend to bring some of my books with while I'm on the move : )
    June 16, 2009 at 10:27 AM
    #Permalink

  1. chrisjones

    HotelChatter Member

    Top gadget hotels

    I've seen fancy LCD TV sets in many a hotel room and even DVD players, DAB (digital) radios and Bose sound systems, but I've never been greeted with the sight of a Sony PS3 or an iMac sitting in my room awaiting my attention. I know I've got the odd pen sporting hotel names from around the world, but a free PS3 sounds even better. Do you think they would notice anything missing? Even if it stayed in the room I guess my girlfriend wouldn't appreciate me spending the whole vacation gaming on GTA4.

    On a side note, I will be staying at the City Inn in London's Westminster in July so look forward to trying out their iMacs. This looks like a great and affordable place to stay if you're coming to London.
    June 16, 2009 at 7:29 PM
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  1. sheezash

    HotelChatter Member

    Tech Savvy Hotels

    Hotels are increasingly becoming high-tech. And with good reason, People want their 24/7 connectivity and other tech requirements even when they're away from home. So hotels that want to become (or stay) successful are making sure they offer amenities like wireless or even the latest video games, internet bars etc.
    Ask Questions about my stay at The Algonquin.
    June 18, 2009 at 1:11 AM
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  1. scottb23

    HotelChatter Member

    wow

    i never thought that this kind of place is existing.
    June 18, 2009 at 8:45 AM
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  1. mlgreen

    HotelChatter Member

    Pretty Penny

    Now that looks like it will cost an arm and a leg, but I'm sure there are plenty of rich geeks who can afford it.
    June 18, 2009 at 1:58 PM
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  1. GeeK

    HotelChatter Member

    Geek hotel

    Good idea to have Kindle for guest.I would love to see some more big LCD with Xbox. :)
    June 18, 2009 at 11:46 PM
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  1. travisbreton

    HotelChatter Member

    I liked the SLS Hotel

    I liked the SLS Hotel feature. Black iMacs look cool. Though they would be expensive but will cater the demands of the executives. A lot of hotels opting for Apple iMacs, green valley nv homes that sounds interesting.
    June 19, 2009 at 6:21 AM
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  1. Hulio Manda

    HotelChatter Member

    Wow!

    I want to live the for a couple of days at least. :) How much living costs? Does they suggest Wi-Hi communications. I would like to test a Kindle too.
    June 19, 2009 at 8:41 AM
    #Permalink

  1. solution2u

    HotelChatter Member

    Good picks for Best Geek Hotels in 2009

    Agree with hotel industry must always keep up with the latest technological advances. For me, I prefer to have WiFi and Flat Screen TVs, so that I can online with my mobile phone and watch cool movies at any time.
    June 19, 2009 at 9:57 AM
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  1. letsfun

    HotelChatter Member

    Geek hotels

    If the hotels allow me to bring along with my dog, then I will vote them for the best hotel.
    June 19, 2009 at 10:11 AM
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  1. Hulio Manda

    HotelChatter Member

    I am not sure

    letsfun, I don't think that any hotel allows to take dog, puppies or any animal there. You undestand it can be very expensive if your pet damage something.
    June 20, 2009 at 4:23 AM
    Parent #Permalink

  1. eremite311

    HotelChatter Member

    It's geeky, yes

    As a traveling geek, I usually bring my own gadgets. While I'd like to try out the Kindle, having only 5 or 6 ebooks available seems not that great. MACs are cool, but I am more of the PC type of geek. Watching other guests might be interesting, but that gets boring after a while unless I plan on stalking them.

    What I like, and like many other geeks, is secure, fast, and free internet connection if possible. As a traveling/working geek, I like to browse message board and business ads for bargains, watch videos, and sending files to my co-workers. But I find a lot of hotel internet connection are slow, costly, and not secure at all.

    Internet is the lifeline to electronic lifeforms like me, any hotels who can offer me a reliable and secure connection gets my vote.  

    June 21, 2009 at 3:44 AM
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  1. delweb

    HotelChatter Member

    Very nice

    I like this topic ! Very instructive video adulte gratuite porno I love Greece and I will probably try one of those great hotels ! Thanks again for this great article ! See ya
    June 21, 2009 at 12:03 PM
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  1. sheezash

    HotelChatter Member

    Best Geek hotel

    What does it take to be the best Geek Hotel in the World? It's way more than just providing WiFi coverage and plenty of high end gadgets, that's for sure!
    Beverly Hills Homes
    www.sunsetstriprealty.com
    June 22, 2009 at 1:05 AM
    Parent #Permalink

  1. GeeK

    HotelChatter Member

    Geek hotel

    Just cameback from The Algonquin. I would say this is totally a great idea to let the guest handle Kindle on Room for free.

    June 23, 2009 at 5:05 AM
    #Permalink

  1. yuvan

    HotelChatter Member

    Very nice looking hotel

    Geek hotels are looking good in this blog, there are many technologies and accommodation stuffs are there in this hotel. That's really cool i think. Hospitalization are also be good seems like
    June 24, 2009 at 11:57 AM
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  1. comment

    HotelChatter Member

    Cool for gadget lovers

    Awesome! I really like people into gadgets. It is so nice to have geek hotel lol
    June 26, 2009 at 4:34 AM
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  1. GeeK

    HotelChatter Member

    Great gadget stuff

    I went to hotel in NV, USA. They have the lasted version of Kindle available to all guess every rooom. Such a nice HGH hotel
    June 30, 2009 at 4:01 AM
    #Permalink

  1. Heidi Tandy

    HotelChatter Member

    Fontainebleau Resort

    The Fontainebleau Resort in Miami Beach also has Macs in each hotel room, and they have free internet access on them. Plus, you can use it to order room service or learn about the hotel amenities. Useful and shiny!
    July 4, 2009 at 9:39 PM
    #Permalink

  1. Marta Tebar

    HotelChatter Member

    Calderas

    Calderas - Instalacion de calderas, venta de calderas, calderas en madrid, calderas de gas, calderas de gasoil, reparaciones de calderas, reparacion de calderas
    July 9, 2009 at 2:53 PM
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  1. Jasonhiex

    HotelChatter Member

    Cool

    That's pretty cool having a Mac running the inroom entertainment!! There was something on here about the hotels giving free use of a Wii as well, those hotels should make the list!
    Jason - cheltenham hotels
    July 13, 2009 at 4:34 AM
    #Permalink

  1. jetsetlifeus

    HotelChatter Member

    Geek Hotels of 2009 should include aloft brand

    One thing I love about the aloft brand of hotels is the "box" as I call it. This box will let you hook anything from a laptop, iPod (through audio cables) or a Nintendo Wii (using standard RCA cables); all up to the television.

    Enjoy one of the aloft's pool parties following by Wii Sports Resort afterwards with your new friends! Amazing!

    August 12, 2009 at 10:22 PM
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  1. jetsetlifeus

    HotelChatter Member

    Geek Hotels of 2009 should include aloft brand pt2

    I forgot that I have a picture of the aloft box. It is towards the bottom of the page. The picture with the TV and the box on the desk is to the left of the TV.

    I am sorry I forgot about this yesterday. Not a great picture of it but you get the idea.

    http://www.jetsetlife.us/resorts/aloft/aloftgreenbay/aloftgreenbay.html

    August 13, 2009 at 8:40 PM
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  1. giochi

    HotelChatter Member

    In italy

    Here in Italy, many hotels don't even have internet connection... but they provide excellent foods and meals!
    Giochi Gratis
    September 14, 2009 at 5:50 AM
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  1. NeoMonkey

    HotelChatter Member

    No PC's?

    Looks like hotels are going Mac!
    September 15, 2009 at 1:27 PM
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  1. NeoMonkey

    HotelChatter Member

    What it did say Geek Hotels, not high tech

    :)
    September 19, 2009 at 10:15 PM
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  1. Elena83

    HotelChatter Member

    apartments and hotels

    Im my 10 years of business travel and aparmtent rental service in Chisinau and apartments in Bucharest I have seen some dives and some fabulous hotels. I do have to say though, the list you have compiled here will definitely make me change my lodging for a few places I go. Thanks for a great article and some very useful information. If only every hotel took after the great ones. Thanks!
    September 24, 2009 at 9:11 AM
    #Permalink

  1. jeanpri

    HotelChatter Member

    Geeky hotels chain

    A very good geeky hotel chain in high tech hotels, you can find a lot of technology in your room at affordable prices. giochi gratis
    October 4, 2009 at 7:51 AM
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  1. NeoMonkey

    HotelChatter Member

    Haunted Hotels

    The opposite end of the spectrum, staying at old run down haunted hotels.  I stayed at one in Flagstaff, AZ on my way to SLC for a bootcamp called the Monte Cristo.  The room had no TV, but had a rocking chair which made it eery cause we always thought it moved.  And of course the room had many mirrors and old victorian furniture.
    October 20, 2009 at 1:02 AM
    #Permalink

  1. Kumar Anil

    HotelChatter Member

    Best Hotels

    The Best Hotels in Greece....

    Twentyone Hotel, Athens
    Belvedere Hotel, Mykonos
    Emelisse Hotel, Cephalonia
    Rocabella Suites, Santorini
    Sani Asterias Suites, Halkidiki

    Web Hosting

    November 16, 2009 at 8:29 AM
    #Permalink

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