Aloft Introduces Groundbreaking New in-Room Streaming Services

Aloft New Orleans Downtown Becomes First to Pilot RoomCast Powered by Chromecast, a New Media Streaming Solution from TeleAdapt

STAMFORD, Conn.--()--If you stream it, they will come. That’s what Aloft Hotels, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.’s (NYSE:HOT) innovative hotel brand for today’s hyper-connected global traveler, is betting on when it comes to the future of in-room entertainment. Introducing RoomCast Powered by Chromecast, a groundbreaking new streaming solution designed by TeleAdapt for the hotel industry and being offered first at Aloft. Starting today, Aloft New Orleans Downtown will begin to pilot this feature, with a plan for all 188 guest rooms to be fully outfitted with RoomCast by late summer. RoomCast makes it simple for guests to stream their favorite content, safely and securely, from their smart devices directly to their guest room televisions. No new account setups, just simple “point, click and you’re in” technology.

“Innovation is at the heart of the Aloft brand, and we are always striving to bring new technologies to our early adopter guests first,” said Sarah Downing, Vice President, Global Guest Initiatives, Aloft Hotels. “In partnership with the cutting-edge thinkers of TeleAdapt, we are thrilled to be first to bring RoomCast powered by Chromecast to market at Aloft New Orleans Downtown. It’s a simple, safe and secure way for guests to stream their favorite content right to their televisions. It’s the future of in-room entertainment, now.”

How It Works

To stream their favorite shows, apps and other content, Aloft New Orleans Downtown guests will be able to simply use RoomCast powered by Chromecast, which provides each guest room with a wireless personal area network equipped with a specific password and integrated Chromecast media streaming device. Upon entering their room, guests can join their own personal, secure network, at which point they will discover a “Cast Button” within all their cast-enabled apps on their iOS or Android devices. Guests simply join the in-room network, open a cast-enabled app and tap the Cast button to watch their favorite content on the TV.

What makes RoomCast so unique is that everything is controlled from the guests’ phone or tablet using mobile apps they already use and love. There is no need to download software or enter personal information to login. RoomCast users can even keep using their phones for personal use (texting, calls and more) without interrupting what's streaming. The personal area network password is then reset for the next hotel guest, leaving no information behind.

“TeleAdapt is fortunate to have relationships with the world’s leading hotel groups, like Starwood, that influence our product development process in such a positive way,” said Neil Betterton, VP of Global Product Development at TeleAdapt. “We work hard to develop products that meet the unique needs of hotel guestroom applications, but that cannot be done in a vacuum. The Starwood team’s support with the development of RoomCast was absolutely key.”

This groundbreaking new streaming solution is just the latest from the perpetual innovators and dreamers at Aloft Hotels. Always ahead of the curve, other tech-forward offerings from Aloft have included: Botlr, the world’s first robotic butler, currently employed at Aloft Cupertino; TiGi (“text it, get it”) the world’s first Emoji-only room service menu; and SPG Keyless, which allows guests to utilize their smartphones as room keys.

Where It’s At

Aloft New Orleans Downtown is located in the heart of New Orleans’ central business district, steps from the French Quarter and Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The property offers a vibrant social scene, tech-driven amenities and a stylish, flexible meeting space that made it perfect for a RoomCast debut. Prior to its launch in New Orleans, RoomCast was piloted at two Aloft hotels – Aloft Charlotte Ballantyne and Aloft London Excel.

About Aloft Hotels

With more than 100 hotels now open in 16 countries around the world, Starwood’s Aloft brand delivers a fresh approach to the traditional staid hotel landscape. For the ‘always on’ next generation of traveler, the Aloft brand offers a tech-forward, vibrant experience and a modern style that is different by design. For more information, please visit www.alofthotels.com. Aloft, like all brands within Starwood's portfolio, is proud to offer the Starwood Preferred Guest® program, the industry’s richest loyalty program. To learn more, please visit www.spg.com.

About TeleAdapt

Founded in 1992 by current CEO Gordon Brown, TeleAdapt has over 20 years’ experience in the design, manufacture and supply of connectivity products to the hospitality industry. From initial focus towards supporting the business traveler struggling with dial-up modem connections, TeleAdapt has been at the vanguard of the introduction of high-speed internet in hotels, providing in-room solutions to enhance guest connectivity. Today, TeleAdapt's internet, power, docking and multi-media products can be found in over four million hotel rooms worldwide. TeleAdapt also has strategic partnerships with major TV manufacturers and HSIA/VOD suppliers and was a founding member of HTNG. For more information, please visit www.teleadapt.com.

Contacts

Media:
For Aloft
Ashley Chapman, 212-380-4015
Global Communications, Aloft, Element and Four Points
Ashley.chapman@starwoodhotels.com
or
THINK PR for Aloft Hotels
Leanne Drago, 212-343-3920
ldrago@thinkpublicrelations.com
or
Jen Mendelsohn, 212-343-3920
jmendelsohn@thinkpublicrelations.com

Contacts

Media:
For Aloft
Ashley Chapman, 212-380-4015
Global Communications, Aloft, Element and Four Points
Ashley.chapman@starwoodhotels.com
or
THINK PR for Aloft Hotels
Leanne Drago, 212-343-3920
ldrago@thinkpublicrelations.com
or
Jen Mendelsohn, 212-343-3920
jmendelsohn@thinkpublicrelations.com