DALLAS Wyndham International has just finished beta testing the MICROS OPERAPalm system for wireless check-in/check-out at its Wyndham Dallas Market Center property and is currently deciding which properties will deploy the system next, sources told HOTEL BUSINESS..
“We haven t decided on a specific number of properties in which we plan to install they system at this point, but we will definitely be putting the technology in Wyndham resort properties, major downtown properties and large conference/meeting properties,” said Mark Hedley, Wyndham s CTO.
With the new wireless registration capabilities, arriving guests will be greeted curbside by a hotel employee equipped with an OPERAPalm device and asked for their name and credit card. The OPERAPalm will be used to obtain credit card authorization, record the guest s signature and program a guestroom key card. Upon check-out, wireless printers will print the guest folio and a receipt.
The cost of the wireless system, according to Hedley, will be the responsibility of each individual property. Deployment of the system involves the purchase of OPERAPalm devices and an upgrade of the guestroom lock system to the latest software release.
“The cost of the system will vary from property to property and is dependent upon the number of wireless units that need to be purchased and the coverage areas of the wireless network,” added Hedley.
The impetus behind Wyndham s decision to install the wireless system at its properties lies in the belief that the new check-in/check-out procedure “provides customers with a service and amenity they find useful and most importantly convenient,” said Hedley.
As the company undertakes the wireless deployment, Hedley believes “cultural changes in using this technology” will have to be combated. (3/30/01) Kelly Wayne