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To Attract Guests, Hotels Splurge on Hi-Tech and Bling for Pools

by Peter Mychalcewycz on July 25, 2008 at 06:52 PM



Hotels are spending big bucks on new pools, and we're not talking about fluffier lounge towels and free slippers. Okay, we know, most nice hotels already give people free slippers, but we were trying to make a point. Anyway...

Basically, competition for the type of people who can still afford to travel is intense. Hotels know that having bells and whistles larger and shinier than the competition's bells and whistles can give them an edge. You want examples? We got examples (which we got from a recent USA Today article).

For all things tech, visit Puerto Rico's El San Juan Hotel and Casino where people can rent poolside cabanas with flat screen TVs and mini bars. The best part? While on break from spinning, the resident DJ will come around and customize iPods with some of his/her favorite music. Nice touch eh?

The Gaansevort South's pool (pictured above) in South Beach is infused with underwater lights and music. Bar patrons can watch the aquatic debauchery unfold from a dry spot near the bar courtesy of a large window in the pool.

The new Thompson Beverly Hills boasts a pool lined with Swarovski Crystals. Jason Pomeranc, Thompson Hotels Chief, calls the pool "very Hollywood." We call his description of the pool "very unoriginal."

The Joule, a new hotel in Dallas has a pool on the 10th floor that has one end sticking out over the street. Not only is this cool, but it is open to the public, which makes us like it a lot more, because we can't actually afford to stay there.

Get the picture? Now go have fun. If you can afford it. [Source: USA Today]

Tags: hotels, summernews, swarovski, travel

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