Hi-tech tourism taken to new heights

Guests at the Gold Coast's first new five-star hotel since the opening of Palazzo Versace a decade ago will check in using iPads supplied to them during their stay.

Peppers Broadbeach is being touted as one of the most technologically advanced hotels in Australia. It will open its doors in October after hotel owner and operator Mantra Group yesterday unveiled a deal struck with Gold Coast developer Niecon. Under the deal Mantra will manage the $850 million, 505-apartment twin tower development The Oracle. Mantra chief executive officer Bob East said the towers would be branded as Peppers Broadbeach.

``The new Peppers Broadbeach will be the largest property within the Peppers portfolio and represents the brand's first foray into the metropolitan hotel market,'' Mr East said.

He said apart from harnessing the latest in portable technology, the hotel also would offer guests other unique services such as the use of retro scooters and customised surfboards. Mantra Group has committed to almost $390 million worth of new hotel developments this year.

Source: The Courier Mail