Sony And The Ultraswank Gansevoort South

The New York Times has an interesting piece about how Sony and small businesses can coexist gracefully and make an impact in consumer experience. Smaller hotels are turning to technology leaders to equip their public spaces and guestrooms with the latest electronics. The Gansevoort Hotel Group is working with Sony to develop a lounge at its new Gansevoort South property in Miami Beach. The goal is to relocate the traditional business center to a more social setting near the lobby. The lounge will have Sony computers and PlayStation 3 game consoles as well as digital book readers and cameras.

“What we’re trying to do is give people the chance to experience firsthand the latest in technology,” said Elon Kenchington, Gansevoort’s chief operating officer, explaining that choosing the right technology has become as critical as other elements of a hotel’s design.

“It’s an integral part of not only the success of an operation, but also what makes one brand better than another or more interesting to travelers than other brands,” he said.

Establishing a business relationship with a technology company also makes it easier for hotels to keep up with new products and trends. “One of the challenges for hotels is that you buy equipment that everyone wants today, but within 18 months, it’s not considered unique,” Mr. Kenchington said.

By meeting regularly with Sony, he said, “We already have those products within our business model, so we’re not waiting for them or being asked why don’t we have them.” Read more at the NYT about this subject and how other businesses are making an impact, too.

Here are some more amazing pictures of this unique hotel in Miami..I desire to visit it!