Guestroom technology in The Burrard Hotel, Vancouver B.C. Canada

Most people have become accustomed to technology in their lives and in their homes.  When you travel, your guestroom becomes your home away from home.  I suppose you could choose to do without.  You could also try to bring it all with you.  I think the best situation is when you stay at a place that provides it for you.  This helps me travel lightly with only carry on luggage.

I recently took a four night, five day trip to Vancouver, B.C. Canada and stayed at a hotel that I thought was a pretty good example of providing technology in the guestroom.  The Burrard Hotel is located in downtown Vancouver and was built in the fifties but has been updated and modernized.  Part of the check in process included them telling me what the password is to their free WiFi system for guests.

In room WiFi access point
In room WiFi access point

I noticed a Cisco Wireless Access point was installed just above the door inside my room, providing an excellent signal for my multiple WiFi devices to connect to.

Power outlets with USB ports
Power outlets with USB ports

On the small desk in the room I spotted a multiple outlet power port containing 3 AC outlets and 2 USB connections that could be used for charging my devices.  On this trip I had my Nexus 6 smartphone, my Nexus 9 tablet, and my Androidwear LG G Watch that I always charge when I get back to the room for the night.  I also had a small Bluetooth keyboard that needs to be charged less frequently as well as my Gopro Hero 4 Session camera.

vtech cordless phone
vtech cordless phone

At check in they told me about the included North America calling from my room phone, and I saw a vtech cordless phone was located on the desk in the room.

Nespresso machine
Nespresso machine

On the other end of the desk was a Nespresso coffee machine and a couple of pods for my use. I try to only drink one cup of coffee a day, but being able to do soon after I wake up and without having to leave my room is very nice.

In room mini fridge
In room mini fridge

Below the desk was a mini fridge that help some bottled water and creamers for coffee. I might use a fridge like this for keeping some beers or sodas I bought at the store, or some take out food cold. This hotel doesn’t offer room service, so being able to keep things in the room is a plus.

In room A/C
In room A/C

This room was built without air conditioning so a small in room unit was added. It does take up some space and make some noise but I found it pretty easy to control.

A hotel room's flatscreen TV
A hotel room’s flatscreen TV

A flat screen TV was mounted to the wall of the room, and I remembered that I had wanted to bring my Google Chromecast for some testing, but I forgot and let it at home. The HDMI ports on the back were accessible and the input could be controlled from it’s remote. The fact that the WiFi system here didn’t require logging in via a web page means I should have been able to get it to work. Oh well, maybe next time.

A hotel room safe
A hotel room safe

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The room’s closet contained a small digital safe that was large enough to hold my things when I left the room. I don’t think they offer a lot of security but I do like having one to use when I travel.  If one isn’t provided I will usually lock stuff back into my suitcase, and use a notebook cable lock to secure that to a piece of furniture.  I know that does little to deter a determined thief.

Alarm clock with iPhone connector
Alarm clock with iPhone connector

I also noticed that the bedside clock radio had an iPhone connector on the top.  I always liked this back when I was an iPhone user and appreciated the ease of charging and playing music with this kind of setup.

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This post contains a good collection of the technology that I look for when booking guestrooms for my travels.  A detailed post not focused on just technology, about my trip to Vancouver B.C. can be found on my travel blog at edweird.com


Hilton Vancouver Metrotown

Hilton Vancouver Metrotown