Dubai hotel in chain's world first iPad trial

Mövenpick Dubai Jumeirah Beach has become the chain’s first property in the world  to trial iPads with Iris software in guest rooms.

General manager Horst Walther-Jones said: “We have been trialling the iPads for three weeks now, on two floors of the hotel and so far they have worked very well. Of course we have kept the concierge system in place — we will never get rid of that — but it is good to offer the guests something different.”

Using the iPad, guests can order room service, find out about the areas close to the hotel and destination as a whole, along with hotel information.

The iPad software — which allows guests to access information and use services — was provided by iris.

“When you consider that many guests do not speak English or Arabic, the iPad application — which can be used in many different languages — can save hotels money in the long run as their guests will be satisfied, and they will not end up giving away so many free meals or drinks to disgruntled guests,” said Iris director Chris Atkin.

“This is something that everyone can use — it is simple and easy and we think we will see a lot more hotels using it in future,” he added.