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(WestSide Books, Dec 2011; Fitzhenry & Whiteside, Feb 2012)
SkinWalkers: 
Hotel loans out Kindles for free to guests
New York’s Algonquin Hotel loans out Kindles for free to their guests, pre-loaded with a book of their guest’s choice. The Kindles also come loaded with best sellers and modern classics, giving readers a great choice. Now that’s a hotel I’d want to stay at!
Various famous authors stayed at the Algonquin hotel, giving them a literary flavor.
I think that’s smart marketing on the part of Algonquin hotel–luring readers and techno lovers alike, and providing comforts for many. I think it’s also good marketing for Amazon’s Kindle, and ebooks and ebook readers in general.
What do you think? Would the hotel appeal to you?
January 11th, 2009 at 11:20 am
That is very cool, Cheryl. Not like I’d ever go on a trip without my own books, but I still love the idea. There’s an extended-stay hotel chain, the Country Inn & Suites, that lets you borrow books and return them at other hotels. The one I last stayed at had a nice little library of children’s and YA titles. But the loaner Kindle definitely has that tech appeal, too.
January 11th, 2009 at 12:25 pm
I always travel with my own books, too, Jen. But I also love the idea. And wow, the Country Inn & Suites sounds fantastic–borrowing books and returning them at other locations. Wow! Like a library system. That is neat!
January 11th, 2009 at 10:08 pm
If this is the same hotel visited by Dorothy Parker, then count me in!
(I love their marketing idea)
January 12th, 2009 at 8:07 pm
I love their marketing idea, too, Ms S. I think it would be lovely if more hotels and businesses did that kind of thing. Had books or ebooks around for customers to read. I know I like seeing children’s books in doctor’s offices and pharmacies and waiting rooms….