United Follows Southwest's Lead

United announced earlier this week that starting in April that Apple-product users will be allowed to stream free tv shows and movies.

Photo Credit: United HUB

According to FOX Business News, "The personal device entertainment system will be available on select aircrafts in April and allows users to choose from more than 150 movies and nearly 200 TV shows free of charge on their own devices. The rollout will begin on Airbus A319, Airbus A320, Boeing 747-400 and some 777-200 aircrafts, according to United’s website. Most domestic aircraft will have the system by year’s end." The system will work off of United's iOS application and its laptop browser. Wifi is not needed to download the app or broswer plug-in. 

Photo Credit: United HUB

United's personal device entertainment system is very similar to Southwest's system, which I reviewed here. There are two diffrence at the moment. First,  United's TV shows and movies are free and Southwest's charges. Second, Southwest has free live TV and United doesn't. Either way, this is the right direction for United. Unfortunately, this new advancement does not help me. I am an Andriod user. Hopefully they develop an Android application soon.

Either way, charge your devices before getting on the plane. 

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Hotel Chain for Coffee Lovers???

New York Times is reporting that Starwood's  Le Méridien otels are aiming themselves to be the hotel of choice for Java Lovers.

To achieve the goal of being the hotel of choice for java lovers,  Le Méridien plans on having a dedicated coffee expert at each of its 100+ hotels.

"The lobby-based baristas will be responsible for encouraging social interaction and connecting guests to what’s happening locally, with recommendations on things to do around town.

“It’s a bit of a twist on a concierge, but more integrated into the food and beverage scene,” said Brian Povinelli, global brand leader for Le Méridien.

While hotels increasingly try to get guests to spend more time and money in their lobbies, Le Méridien’s coffee program seems to aim primarily at sociability. Guests will receive a voucher, making their first cup in the lobby free."

The concept is an interesting one. However, by striving to be the hotel of choice for java lovers, does Le Méridien alienate non-coffee drinks. For instance, I don't drink coffee, so this "barista" does nothing for me. The "baristas" sounds like a concierge that serves coffee. Ummm...no thanks!

I stayed at the  Le Méridien in Arlington, VA earlier this year. Overall, I enjoyed the hotel a lot, but I don't know how this new baristas will add to the experience. Le Meridian is this upscale hotel at a reasonable price. I didn't feel like it need a gimick like a coffee barista to make me want to stay there more.

Maybe this is Starwood's master plan? Will each of its hotel brand have something distinct about it. The W hotel is the party hotel. The Alfot's have the XYZ Bars. Now coffee baristas at Le Méridien?

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