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(WestSide Books, Oct 2011)
To scan the QR, you need a smartphone and a barcode app such as 
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?
my 
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….