Awesome Hi-Tech Hotels: Our Top Picks

In an increasingly digital world, the real-life establishments that incorporate digital elements into their business are the ones that stay afloat. This is becoming more and more important in the hospitality industry, as hotels begin to add hi-tech amenities from in-room iPads to facial recognition systems. If you expect the latest in digital at your next hotel stay, read on for our picks of the top hi-tech hotels.

1. Aria Resort & Casino – Las Vegas, NV
No hotel even comes close to Aria in the technology arena. They start with the basics – an iPhone dock in all guestrooms. Then they kick it up a notch with key cards that can sense when you’re approaching your room and unlock the door in advance. The grand finale? Smart rooms that turn on the lights and part the curtains upon entry. There’s even a “good night” button by the bed that turns off the lights, closes the shades, and enables the do-not-disturb sign.

2. Hilton Americas – Houston, TX
This Hilton hotel makes the list because of their newly installed surveillance camera network that does so much more than provide tighter security. Used for providing guests with better customer service, the surveillance technology allows staff to locate lost guests or their possessions with the system’s advanced facial color directional and object search capabilities. The system can also alert staff to the arrival of certain guests, again using the facial recognition system.

3. Epic Hotel – Miami, FL

The desktop PC in all guestrooms is a major perk at this Miami hotel, but we really like the illuminated do-not-disturb sign and “make up room” indicators, easily activated by the push of a button. There’s also a virtual concierge, so to speak, in the lobby – a touchscreen computer for looking up maps, sporting events, and local restaurants.