Luxury hotel calls in VAIO partner

Spratt: One of the things that triggered the project was the synergy of brands

Reseller Transputec Computers has won a deal to supply a swanky London hotel with Sony VAIO laptops.

In what it claims is a UK first, The Lanesborough Hotel is kitting out each of its 95 rooms with a Sony VAIO SR Series business laptop and free Wi-Fi access.

The Hyde Park Corner-based hotel called in Transputec to help it provide the complimentary service, which it claimed would mark it out from other luxury hotels.

Sonny Sehgal, sales and marketing director at Transputec, said: “When we were approached by The Lanesborough to formulate a package for its guests to stay online we thought the best option was a laptop in every room.

“Hotel guests don't want to use a business centre tucked away in the basement of the hotel using an old computer and a dot matrix printer."

David Spratt, SME channel sales manager at Sony UK, told CRN that the project was partly triggered by the synergy of the two brands.

"The Lanesborough is seen as one of the world's most prestigious hotels and Sony is a brand leader in the laptop market," he explained.

Spratt added that the project required very technical skills due to security concerns. "Transputec's skills in putting that together and testing and installing it were vital to the success of the project," he said.

Paula McColgan, director of sales and marketing at The Lanesborough, claimed that business travellers were “thrilled” with the service.

“They avoid the hassle of lugging around laptop bags and cables, which is especially important to overseas travellers with increasing in-flight baggage restrictions,” he said. “They are free to work on their smartphones while on the move, and can then quickly and easily connect via our VAIO laptops as soon as they check in.”