For many hotel guests location and price are among the top two reasons for choosing to stay at a hotel.

For a growing number of individuals , as reported by MSNBC, a third criteria is surprisingly becoming a real added value in their decision making : connectivity!

A first (and very common now) option is for hotels to provide wireless internet for their guests.

Another option is to open up communication channels by creating blogs, "so guests can network with each other and make plans for sightseeing, drinks or a night on the town. It's a customized message board also doubles as a resource guide for guests."

But hotels are realizing that while guests like to be catered to and pampered while on vacation, they also do no like to change their lifestyles only because they have changed their location.

As a result, the ultimate option is the partership of hotels with companies such as Microsoft and Nintendo in order to offer a unique experience to the guests.

This includes everything from interactive concierge with the Microsoft Surface to "The Studio – A Microsoft Experience," which is a new technology that lets guests experience the newest entertainment and guest service technologies from Microsoft.

Written by Sweta Shah on behalf of Vijay Dandapani.
Vijay is Chief Operating Officer and part-founder of Apple Core Hotels- a chain of 5 midtown Manhattan hotels offering value and comfort in the heart of the city.Member of the board of Directors - Hotel Association of New York.  www.vijaydandapani.com