Westin Hotels' new businesss centers
Today’s business travelers are far more dependent on technology than their predecessors, requiring special amenities to satiate their constant need for connectivity. Unfortunately, hotels have not always been up to the task, providing out-of-date business centers that offer little more than an Internet connection and a few computers in a stale, enclosed room. In an attempt to bring hotel stays in line with technological advances, Westin Hotels and Resorts has rolled out its newest rendition of what a 21st-century business center should look like—Project Hive.
“Project Hive takes the traditional small meeting facility, which has remained low tech, hidden and often unused, and turns it on its head by making it a fully equipped, technology-savvy space,” says Brian Povinelli, global brand leader at Westin Hotels and Resorts.
Hives incorporate every techno goodie a traveler could want, such as a flat-screen TV with an attached Xbox 360, built-in sound system, printer and Internet access. The focal point of the space is its media:scape workstation, which has two flat-screen monitors that overlook a central desk, into which four computers can be plugged simultaneously for videoconferencing and work sessions.
“We came up with the concept after conducting in-depth guest research and accumulating a large amount of feedback. More than 70% of business travelers told us that an environment that better supports their work objectives would significantly improve their experience. Project Hive is just another step toward our goal of providing the best possible stay,” Povinelli says.
Although technology focused, Hives are also designed with a delicate blend of practicality and style. The 260-square-foot centers feature office amenities such as floor-to-ceiling whiteboards and a fully stocked office supply cabinet, while maintaining a sleek ambience highlighted by an eye-catching mural inspired by Fibonacci numerical sequences. To top it off, Hives can be rented out at a moment’s notice, whether for a few hours or days, by booking over the Internet on the reservation website Liquidspace, making them a perfect fallback for an emergency or impromptu meeting.
Project Hives are available at The Westin Arlington Gateway, Virginia; The Westin Boston Waterfront; and The Westin Grand Munich, although they are scheduled to be installed in all Westin locations by 2013. Keep an eye out for the new workspaces and their cool gadgets, and you might have the chance to be the king or queen bee of a Hive for a day.
