Since September 2007, the X-room, a real, fully-operational hotel guestroom at the Courtyard by Marriott Newark-University of Delaware, has been showcasing one man's vision of a better future for travelers.

Located in Newark, Delaware and receiving guests, the X-room or Experimental Guestroom of the Future uses over-the-counter energy efficient appliances, advanced technologies and good, common sense to make a guest's stay more comfortable, convenient, safe and enjoyable.

The X-room is the personal passion of Cihan Cobanoglu, Ph.D., associate professor of hospitality information technology at UD and Certified Hospitality Technology Professional (CHTP), as well as Bill Sullivan, of the Shaner Hotels management company. Dr. Cobanoglu notes, "Our X-room was inspired by the Guestroom 2010 project, which originated with the Hospitality Financial & Technology Professionals organization."

Some of the room's clever ideas are brought to life in a user-friendly, bedside touchscreen panel, where guests can automatically adjust the temperature of their room, or have the lights switch themselves off once sensors detect that they have left. The room's robotic vacuum cleaner keeps the eco-friendly carpeting spotlessly clean, while an ingenious, air-powered shower head and ionic hair dryer save water and energy. "Clocky," a computerized alarm clock on wheels-with an almost human personality-cheerfully wakes guests in time for appointments.

We love the digital video camera that instantly shows who's outside the door on an LCD screen that replaces the peephole. A remote control operated "doorbell" outside enables guests to indicate when they want privacy or housekeeping, so that you don't have to sneak outside in your PJs to hang the "Do Not Disturb" sign up after kids go to sleep. Inside the room, the whole family will enjoy the soothing ambience of flameless, electronic candles. When you're up for action, enjoy a low-impact virtual workout with the in-room Nintendo Wii gaming system. In fact, you can try this link on YouTube to see the brief video highlighting the room's many features.

Bill Sullivan, the hotel's Managing Director commented, "The experimental guest room is a unique feature of the hotel that allows our guests to experience new technology first hand, and then encourages them to give feedback to our HRIM students and faculty. This 'living learning' laboratory is an outstanding opportunity for our students to interact with guests as well as the developers of these new technologies."

For a sneak peek at the future, consider checking into one of their double rooms: two queen size beds, free WiFi access and parking, priced from $159/N in the next few months. The Courtyard Newark-University of Delaware is located at 200 New London Road, Newark, DE, 19711; book through your travel agent or at www.marriott.com.

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