Advances in Hospitality Technology

First televisions installed in guest rooms

Sep 14, 1951

First in room coffee service developed by Atlas hotel

Sep 14, 1955

Hilton offers direct-dial phone service

Sep 14, 1957

allows for phone calls to go directly to guest rooms

First automated electronic reservation service

Sep 14, 1958

developed by Shareton hotels.

First toll free reservation number

Sep 14, 1958

First true minibar

Sep 14, 1960

introduced by Siegas so customers have refreshments without leaving room

Travelodge introduces wheel chair accessible rooms

Sep 14, 1964

First ice and vending machines in guest corridors

Sep 14, 1966

First 24 hour room service

Sep 14, 1969

implemented by Westin to service customers 24 hours a day

first free in room movies

Sep 14, 1973

introduced by The Sheraton-Anahiem

First electronic key card

Sep 14, 1983

invented by VingCard to replace keys for guest rooms

Westin allows reservations and checkout with major credit card

Sep 14, 1983

They are the first major hotel company to allow this

First non smoking rooms available

Sep 14, 1984

introdued by Choice Hotels

Concept of Market Segmentation introduced

Sep 14, 1984

introduced by Choie Hotels

first interactive reservations service

Sep 14, 1986

Developed by Days Inn to connect all there hotels

First in room voice mail

Sep 14, 1991

introduced by Westin

first Business Class rooms

Sep 14, 1993

introduced by Radisson Hotels Worldwide

First hotel chain websites and online catalogues

Sep 14, 1994

Promus and Hyatt first chains with websites Travelweb.com first online catalogue

First "real time" central reservation system

Sep 14, 1995

introduced by Choice hotels

Online Booking Debuts

Sep 14, 1995

introduce by Choice Hotels and Holiday Inn

First in-room PCs

Sep 14, 1999

introduced by Choice Hotels International