For many modern hotels, employing a concierge to help guests with information about local attractions and services is no longer a viable option. Instead, busy reception staff are often left to deal with their numerous requests. The likes of Holiday Inn Regents Park and Holiday Inn Bloomsbury, however, have turned to the services of a virtual interactive concierge, fondly known as VIC.

VIC is a touch-screen terminal that can stand alone or be wall-mounted. It offers information on a range of services such as local restaurants, taxi firms and doctors. Interfacing with Multimap.com, it can also print out a small slip of paper for guests, detailing the best route to their chosen destination.

Price: From £1,500 to £5,000