Al Bustan Palace Hotel joins the wireless world

"Guests are normally impressed with our impeccable service, dining and accommodation, now we want to ensure they are impressed with the ease of getting on-line," says Tony Zamora, General Manager.

Whether it's a business lunch, a presentation over coffee in the Atrium, a video conference to the other side of the world or simply checking your e-mail in-room, the high availability of the hotel's internet service ensures global business is just a click away.

Private laptop users can enjoy plug and play connectivity - gone are the days of complex wires, adaptors and passwords.

In-room TVs also offer the high speed internet service, so you can surf the internet, read your e-mails or check the stock markets from the comfort and privacy of your room.

Power users will be impressed by a fleet of new high speed computers in the hotel's business centre, which all benefit from the wireless broadband connectivity, too.

"Having a number of options for gaining access to the World Wide Web ensures our business guests can have more leisure time while staying with us. Time to enjoy our superb location, private beach, health club or just spend longer over dining, without worrying about gaining access or finding the right adaptor, wire or password," says Regional IT Manager, Oman, Maged Salah.

Broadband connectivity is also still available via 'plug and play' wall sockets throughout the hotel, if required. Lobby internet access is a simple procedure, with waitresses and front office staff helping with the straightforward access procedure.

"What's more, Internet connectivity is free of charge for one hour in the lobby, reflecting our appreciation that sometimes during a brief meeting, it's extremely useful to be able to get on line to check a fact, or send an e-mail," says the IT Manager.

Wireless internet coverage is provided by WiFi and Omantel networks, across the whole hotel. All that's required is a laptop with wireless connectivity capability. Even if a guests' laptop does not have wireless connectivity, wireless LAN cards (PCMCA cards) can be borrowed at the Business Centre.

Connection speeds run at 1Mbps via satellite and 512kbps broadband - with connectivity even available at the hotel's private beach! Security of connection for each hotel room is guaranteed, while unlimited access from each hotel room costs just RO10 per day. A "Global Connector" in every room ensures that connectivity is simple, straightforward and widely available.

The hotel has invested a remarkable amount of money during the last two years in order to provide state-of-the-art IT facilities.

"Our global business guests would expect such a high level of service from the Al Bustan. In the 21st century, hotels need to ensure 24/7/365 connectivity, 24 hours per day/ 7 days a week/ 365 days in a year, as businesses become increasingly global," says Tony Zamora, General Manager.