As luxury hotels work to spruce up their offerings, one hotel group is putting its efforts in luxury technology.

The Dorchester Collection - parent company of luxury hotels including Le Meurice and Hotel Plaza Athenee in Paris - is rolling out a new suite of technology in its hotels.

The advent of high-tech amenities is nothing new in the luxury space - we reported last fall that more hotels were introducing new technology - and using current technology - as a way to give guests more control over their stay. (See right column, article: How High-Tech Can Hotels Go?)

But what is new is the type of technology Dorchester is rolling out - it has nothing to do with a guest's Smartphone, iPad or computer.

This new suite of innovative luxuries goes beyond iPads in hotels (which are already in the collection's Hotel Bel-Air in California and 45 Park Lane in London). So, what better place to introduce new trends than in the world's fashion capitol?

Here's what the hotel is now offering:

No more dimmer switches and dark shades. If you have trouble sleeping, or just need a boost after a long flight, the hotel's NightCove Sleep Solution experience will help.

Developed by the Sleep Clinic at Hotel-Dieu hospital in Paris, this sleep-aid comes in the form of a  bedside lamp that helps improve the quality of sleep by "bathing guests in selected light wavelengths and sound frequencies that are specially adapted for the physiological needs of sleep." 

Click on "Sleep/Anti-jetlag/Nap" to stimulate melatonin with a red glow and the hush of waves, then greet the day with a "Wakening" of soft music and blue light similar to early daylight. 

In some suites, the hotel added a new type of stereo system -- the AeroSystem One. The sound tower is compatible with iPhones and iPods, and boasts some of the most impressive acoustic sounds, so you rock out any time of day.

But the hotel isn't limiting its changes to guestrooms. One of the best things about the Hotel Plaza Athenee is its dining space, and the hotel spared no expense sprucing it up with new tech. Le Bar du Plaza Athenee now features all cocktails, wines, spirits, snacks and even casino-type games on an electronic tablet. Play the slot game and win three in a row, and the bar will give you a complimentary cocktail or snack.


Readers: Are you more inclined to stay at a hotel with these type of technologies available? Send us your comments and they will be added here.

Melanie Nayer is a hotel reviewer and expert on luxury travel around the world. She has covered all aspects of hotels including corporate restructures, re-branding initiatives, historical aspects and the best of the best in luxury hotels around the world.

Melanie writes a weekly exclusive column for 4Hoteliers.com