At the center of any trip, the hotel experience is defined by the amenities provided throughout the duration of the stay. While some hotels pride themselves on individualized service, others like the ones below strive to create a memorable, effortless stay by incorporating technology into different facets of the guests’ experience. 

1. Hotel 1000, Seattle, Washington 
Blending in seamlessly with the surrounding architecture, Hotel 1000 is nestled into the heart of downtown Seattle. Steps from the city’s iconic sites, including the Pike Place Market and the Seattle Art Museum, Hotel 1000 offers 120-guest rooms and waterfront suites with panoramic views of the nearby Elliot Bay. The in-house BOKA Restaurant & Bar is a favorite among locals and tourists alike, serving up West Coast inspired dishes like rockfish tacos and twisted shrimp cocktail. An oasis of tranquility, the Spaahh creates customized treatments for each guest using local, award-winning products.

Complimentary WiFi, available in each guest room as well as in the public spaces, is only the beginning of the unique technological experience at Hotel 1000. The luxury rooms, featuring large windows and a pedestal tub filled from the ceiling, are equipped with silent infrared doorbells that detect body heat and alert housekeeping when guests are in the room. Guests can also adjust the temperature of the room with the smart climate control settings. Stylish furnishings, complemented by video-on-demand, surround sound and satellite radio, include a smart mini bar that automatically notifies the front desk when it needs to be restocked. With the neighboring area limited on lawn space, Hotel 1000 brings the comfort of golfing straight to the guests with its virtual reality Golf Club. When guests swing the club forward, nearly 700 sensors track the velocity, spin and trajectory of the ball to simulate a realistic golf experience.

2. Yotel, New York, New York
With multiple locations in airports around the world, Yotel established its New York based luxury hotel in 2011. Inspired by the elegant design of first class cabins, this futuristic hotel features touch screen kiosks that make check-in simpler. Guests with extra luggage can store them securely in the hotel’s wall of drawers operated by a 15-foot long robotic arm. Each of the 669-guest rooms, referred to as cabins, encapsulate opulent amenities in a smaller, smarter spaces. Basic features of the cabins include plush bedding, monsoon rain showers and heated towel racks. Upgrading the standard levels comfort with modern day technology, Yotel’s cabins are furnished with flat screen TVs capable of streaming audio from mobile devices, multiple power outlets and purple-ambiance lighting that creates an ultramodern mood. With the push of a button, guest can collapse their beds to increase floor space.

Catering to their guests individual needs, Yotel offers multiple dining options. The FOUR is Yotel’s unique space for socializing. Guests can opt for breakfast packages on the FOUR, where they can fuel themselves with any of the six hot and cold breakfast options that will satisfy the appetite of any eater. At night, the FOUR transforms into a relaxing space towering over the busy streets of New York City where customers can sip on signature cocktails and taste fine meals with colorful flavors. Green Fig Restaurant, participating in room service, showcases the flavors of North Africa’s Maghreb region, combining imported spices with local ingredients to create quality dishes. Guests can work of the indulgent meals at the gym, equipped with state of the art machines, located on the FOUR.

3. Aria Resort & Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada
The glass windows of this 61-story tall building mirror the glamour of Sin City. Leaving behind the glitz of Vegas, the interior of Aria Resort and Casino exudes an earthy feel with extensive foliage, wood and stone decor filling the three-story lobby. Checking in has never been easier, as Aria’s reservation system enables guests to check in on their mobile devices up to 24-hours before their arrival. With more than 4,000-luxury rooms and multiple types of suites, Aria offers guests plenty of options to fulfill their checklist and more. At the swipe of a finger, guests can customize their stay from a single control panel. The push of a “goodnight” button automatically draws the drapes and activates the do not disturb sign. Dimmed lights, temperature and alarm clock settings can also be easily adjusted and individualized. Rather than swiping the key card multiple times to access rooms, doors automatically unlock as guests approach their suite with the help of radio frequency identification data technology. Internet speeds eight-time faster than that of the average guest room in the US make it easier for guests to use their devices or play games on the 42-inch TV.

Prepared to satisfy every possible craving, Aria is home to a 16 restaurants and 10 bars that serve Asian, Italian, Mexican and Spanish cuisines among many others. Celebrity chefs, such as Bobby Flay and Jean George, have their own restaurants at the Aria where their quality recipes are created to perfection.

Best described as a one-stop location, Aria Resort & Casino is a little city in itself. Shops at Aria include designer brand name apparel, jewelry and gifts. After nearly maxing out their credit cards, guests can relax by the poolside or unwind at the space. More than 6,000 square feet is dedicated to the fitness center filled with state-of-the-art machinery. Guests can spend their night away in the 150,000-square-foot casino lined with conventional slots, poker and table games.

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Cover photo © Jim G.