HotelChatter

Developed by Cisco Systems, the Telepresence rooms use video conferencing technology mixed with convenient business facilities to allow users to meet with people in many cities, in one day, without the need of a private jet. The only downside is that for the technology to really be worth it, the rest of those with whom you are meeting should also be in a Telepresence suite somewhere. If they can't get into one of the hotels with them, then American Express Business stores and some public Cisco Systems locations do have them, as well as many locations in India and in Taj Hotels. Here is a brief listing of some of them.

Starwood plans to have Telepresence suites up and running soon at at the Sheraton New York Hotel & Towers, Sheraton Kuwait, Sheraton Centre Toronto and the Westin Los Angeles Airport, but they aren't the only ones getting in on the game. Marriott has been playing around with Telepresence rooms since earlier this year, installing them at hotels like the Renaissance Washington DC, Marriott Dallas/Fort Worth Airport and JW Marriott San Francisco Union Square.

Now you ask: how much? Use of telepresence rooms is based on size since there are a number of setups available, but it's good to budget about $500 per hour for the average.

[Photo: Cisco Systems & the NYT]