Free Kindle loan (with book of your choice) at The Algonquin Hotel

Springwise points out how The Algonquin Hotel in New York City is successfully blending its historical past with innovative new technology.

Guests there have the option of borrowing a Kindle pre-loaded with a book of their choice:

In keeping with the hotel’s literary history, the Algonquin’s eBooks on Demand offers Kindles loaded with a variety of best-sellers, modern classics, and, of course, books penned by the hotel’s Round Table members such as: Fanny Herself and Buttered Side Down, by Edna Ferber and Love Conquers All by Robert Benchley.  Additional titles can be added upon guests’ request.   Kindles are loaned on a first come, first serve basis for use in the hotel’s legendary lobby or in the comfort of one’s own guest room.

This is a great example of something we’ve discussed earlier: hotels using new technology as marketing to attract guests.  By offering this level of personalized service, the hotel can differentiate itself and get free publicity.