IPad: Hotel hype or help?

After its release, the techno-pundits and early adopters are mixed in their reactions to the iPad, Apple’s slick touch-screen tablet computer. Within the hotel sector, consultants and operators believe the gadget will serve a practical purpose.

Ask Charles Yap, and he will tell you it’s the buzz and the utility that makes the iPad interesting.

As director of global brand communications for InterContinental Hotels Group, Yap is aware of both the buzz surrounding Apple’s newest gizmo as well as the capabilities of its intuitive interface.

“It’s something that’s fun. It’s something that the world has been waiting for,” he said. “It’s making the concierge more personable.”

That’s according to initial results he’s seen at four IHG properties throughout the world, at which the concierge teams are test-driving the iPad for a possible broad-scale rollout.

It’s certainly going well so far, Yap said. The use of the device has sparked interest among guests, who are approaching the concierge in greater droves to see the iPad in action as they ask for dinner recommendations, view maps and turn-by-turn directions, or watch proprietary videos highlighting hotel amenities and area attractions. Click here for full report from HNN.com…