Room service used to be an oxymoron for deaf and hard of hearing customers. If technology being used at the Malibu Beach Inn becomes more common in the industry -- as it certainly will -- we'll soon be able to enjoy a hotel stay in comfort like everyone else.

The Malibu Beach Inn, in Malibu, Calif., is one of two hotels that currently employs Runtriz technology. In September, it debuted a web application called "Hotel Evolution." When guests check in, they're asked if they have an iPhone or iPod Touch. If they do, the hotel presents them the login information for the web application. If they don't, the hotel provides them a 16gb iPod Touch for the duration of their stay.

According to the Malibu Beach Inn's press release, once guests log in, they can access a plethora of hotel services through the device's touch screen, as well as continued use of Runtriz beyond their stay. Services provided through the hotel application include:

• Checking hotel messages
• Setting a wake up call
• Alerting housekeeping to request Do Not Disturb, room cleaning or additional linens, towels and toiletries
• Ordering private dining
• Browsing and reserving tables at local restaurants
• Purchasing items in-room and online to be delivered to the hotel or somewhere else
• Local recommendations from the concierge as well as information about the hotel itself
• Information on local shopping, bars, clubs, lounges, beach areas and Hollywood hotspots
• Contacting the valet/bell desk to request car, luggage or dry cleaning pick up
• Reserving limousine, rental car or taxicab transportation to and from the hotel

Guests can also set their preferences so the hotel can customize their stay.

None of these functions require the use of voice, as all necessary details can be arranged from the application itself, says Alan Goldschneider, Managing Director of the Malibu Beach Inn. All messages sent to the iPhone or iPod Touch are in text. However, voice messages left on the guest room phones won't be converted to text versions.

Runtriz approached the hotel regarding the service. "It seemed like a perfect fit for the clientele of the Malibu Beach Inn," says Goldschneider. "The Malibu lifestyle is very relaxed, and we wanted to ensure that our guests were able to enjoy every amenity of the hotel with as little effort as possible."

The hotel did consider how the service would affect guests with disabilities. "This was a benefit to us for installing the application," says Goldschneider. "We knew it would bring the guest experience to the next level for each and every guest of the hotel."

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