Skip to main content

On the Bleeding Edge: The 4 Most High-Tech Hotels in Asia

asia high tech hotels w hotel sentosa cove  singapore
Image used with permission by copyright holder
It wasn’t long ago that color TV, free HBO, and vibrating beds were enough to draw road-weary travelers to a hotel. Now, guests demand more — a lot more.

Asia is home to some of the most modern, most high-tech hotels in the world where state-of-the-art amenities are table stakes. Here are just four of our favorites.

The Peninsula Tokyo (Tokyo, Japan)

The-Pennisula-Tokyo-Japan
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Few cities set the bar for “high-tech” like Tokyo. Among the city’s flagship hotels is The Peninsula Tokyo — an uber-luxury property minutes from Tsukiji fish market in the high-end Marunouchi business district. All 314 guest rooms are outfitted with more than 3,000 Internet radio stations, large flat-screen TVs, customizable mood lighting, and Skype-capable wireless phones. What’s more: guests have exclusive access to a fleet of luxury cars including BMW 750s, a Tesla Model S, and two Rolls-Royce Phantoms.

W Singapore at Sentosa Cove (Sentosa Island, Singapore)

W Hotels is well-known as one of the chicest, most modern hotel brands in the world. So, it’s no surprise that the W Singapore at Sentosa Cove provides guests with ultra-high tech luxury amenities. Sleek LED lighting pulses throughout the hotel, setting a nightclub-esque atmosphere. The beautiful outdoor pool features underwater speakers streaming swish electronic music, and loaner iPads are available at the private poolside cabanas. Rooms feature 40-inch flat-screen TVs, Bose speakers, and iPod docks while the flagship, $9,000-per-night Extreme WOW Suite even boasts a private DJ booth.

Pengheng Space Capsules Hotel (Shenzhen, China)

Pengheng-Space-Capsules-Hotel-(Shenzhen,-China)
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Shenzhen’s Pengheng Space Capsules Hotel isn’t the city’s swankiest hotel, but it’s arguably one of the most high-tech. The staff consists entirely of robots, from the reception desk to the waitstaff to the doorman. Add to that a liberal use of neon lighting, multiple computer banks, and 17 capsule beds (not full rooms) designed to resemble hyperbaric sleep chambers a la Alien and the result is a distinct, futuristic, spaceship-inspired look and feel. Amenities are relatively thin, but that means super affordable pricing in a city that can prove prohibitively expensive for travelers.

The Henn na (Sasebo, Japan)

Henn-na-hotel-Japan
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Japan’s Henn na (or “Weird Hotel”) makes heavy use of robotics not for novelty purposes, but for efficiency. Unlike the Pengheng Space Capsules Hotel, it relies on a blend of robots (at check-in, for example) and human workers to optimize the visitor experience. The front desk reception is capable of checking guests in for the night and engaging in basic conversation in English or Japanese. Guest rooms feature a minimal, Japanese-inspired aesthetic and typical tech amenities like free Wi-Fi and touchscreen HVAC control panels. However, all include a doll-sized robotic personal assistant to provide guests with local dining and entertainment recommendations.

Mike Richard
Mike Richard has traveled the world since 2008. He's kayaked in Antarctica, tracked endangered African wild dogs in South…
Here’s the super weird reason why the Bellagio fountain was shut down this week
What prompted the fountains to stop?
Bellagio

The stunning spectacle of the Bellagio fountain in Las Vegas came to an unexpected halt on Tuesday, all thanks to an uninvited guest: the majestic Yellow-billed Loon. This rare bird is normally found only in remote northern waters, so its arrival on the Las Vegas Strip was a complete surprise, prompting the temporary stopping of the iconic water displays and live shows. 

What is a Yellow-billed Loon?
In a social media post from the Bellagio Las Vegas, it was stated that the Yellow-billed Loon is one of the 10 rarest birds in the United States. The adventurous bird was far away from home, as it is primarily found in the Arctic regions of North America, Europe, and Asia. As its name suggests, the Yellow-billed Loon is characterized by its striking yellow bill, which is a stark contrast to its black and white feathers. The bird is known for its ability to dive deep underwater in search of fish.

Read more
Delta is the latest airline to increase baggage fees — here’s how much every major airline charges now
How much will you have to spend in baggage fees on your favorite airline?
luggage in airport terminal

Preparing for a trip is an exciting time. First, you have to pick out a destination. If you’re a skier, maybe you opt for Lake Tahoe’s alpine magic. Or, if you need a warm getaway, Jamaica’s food, culture, and beaches could be ideal. Whatever you decide, performing research and learning about new locales is half the fun.

After securing accommodations, you’ll need to buy a plane ticket. But sometimes a fare appears that seems too good to be true. It probably is. Today, most major carriers charge baggage fees, making you pay to bring what you need.

Read more
Upgraded seats, renovated airport lounges, and more: 4 British Airways changes you’ll love
Will these new updates help the airline?
British Airways

British Airways took center stage at a media event in London on Monday, March 4, to unveil a series of groundbreaking enhancements set to redefine the passenger journey in the upcoming year. Business Insider reports that these transformative changes are not merely incremental adjustments but rather represent a giant leap forward, and the airline will put $9 billion toward the initiative. From cutting-edge technology to unparalleled comfort, these are the improvements that British Airways is promising to make. 
1. New app and in-flight perks
British Airways has revealed that they are working on a new app and website. Currently undergoing beta testing, these platforms promise to offer a level of customization and ease for passengers looking to change their travel plans. Gone are the days of lengthy phone calls to customer service; with the new app, passengers will have the power to make changes at their fingertips, effortlessly adapting their travel plans to fit their needs.

Additionally, starting April 3, Executive Club members will enjoy an added perk as they will be able to send messages for free using the onboard WiFi, regardless of their class of travel.

Read more