In space no one can hear you sleep
We’ve got hotels under water, hotels on oil rigs, and cruise ships are essentially floating hotels, so why not hotels in space? Better yet: inflatable hotels in space? Last week, a prototype inflatable space hotel was launched into orbit. Space tourists have to spend the night somewhere, after all… Now if I can earn points for my stay, then we’re in business.

More free hybrid parking
Following in the footsteps of Kimpton Hotels (earlier story here), 60 of Marriott’s Renaissance Hotels offer free parking for hybrid cars, now through December 31.

Free your mind, man
Forget hotels with free DSL: Demand free LSD! Photo via HotelChatter.

Allergen-free rooms put to the test
University of Buffalo researchers are conducting experiments at the Buffalo Niagara Marriott in Amherst, NY to see how well various allergen-reduction systems work. Early results are promising: “Although the project is only in its early stages, preliminary results show that such dramatic reductions in suspended small particle concentrations can be attained and maintained in rooms outfitted with some of these devices and treatments.” Allergen-free rooms cost about $10 more per night.

Marriott is installing computers in their lobbies which allow travelers to check in to their flights online and print boarding passes. The free service is available at 32 Marriott and Renaissance hotels now, and will expand to 400 hotels in North America by the end of September.

This is different from the business center computers, which I have used in the past to print out boarding passes. Those computers will remain as they are.

These new computers, which won’t allow e-mail or other services, are a great move, and one which I hope other hotel chains adopt. Travelers gain the convenience of online check-in (sometimes with bonus miles), airlines reduce their check-in related costs, and hotels are the good guys in all this, providing a value-added service. It’s win-win. (Or, win-win-win, actually.)

Unlike automated self check-in kiosks, which Hyatt in particular is pushing their hotel guests to use, just to get the room key, the boarding pass computers are an added convenience, not a way of cutting labor costs. I know many people who find checking yourself into a luxury hotel via a kiosk a little declasse.

Marriott is following Hilton’s lead on this, but is doing it in a bigger way. It’s a welcome move.

(image: D. James, photo of Marriott Atlanta)