The agreement grants LodgeNet exclusive rights to provide interactive TV services to the more than 28,000 rooms MeriStar Hotels & Resorts manages for MeriStar Hospitality Corporation, a REIT. In addition, the agreement designates LodgeNet as the preferred provider of interactive services to the balance of the MeriStar managed portfolio.
LodgeNet will install its new interactive digital systems in hotels under brands including Marriott, Hilton, Doubletree, Radisson, Sheraton, Westin, and Wyndham. Through these systems, guests will be able to watch the latest on-demand movies, play more than 30 Nintendo® 64 video games, send free e-mail greetings, get free Web-based news and information, browse the Web, and check out from their room with the receipt sent via e-mail. Guests at most properties will also enjoy on-demand digital music and music videos along with access to specialized pay-per-day television content and archived programming including the HBO hit series The Sopranos and Sex and the City.
This agreement with the industry’s largest independent management company reflects yet another validation of the demand for our powerful new interactive digital system and the strength and scope of our service organization, said Scott C. Petersen, President and CEO for LodgeNet. Through these installations we look forward to offering MeriStar’s guests a memorable interactive TV experience from brand to brand and site to site.
We were looking for a single in-room provider with the breadth to deploy interactive TV services across our substantial property base, along with the flexibility to accommodate the wide variety of demographics those properties serve, said Paul W. Whetsell, Chairman and CEO for MeriStar Hotels & Resorts. Based on our previous experience with LodgeNet, we are confident in their ability to deliver the interactive TV technology and services that will keep our properties competitive in an increasingly diverse and demand-driven marketplace.
