Hotels in the U.S. are communicating with guests using iPods and iPhones. Punters at the Malibu Beach Inn and the Sky Hotel, both in California, can order food, drinks, wake-up calls, spa treatments, concierge services and transportation, all from a special application on their iPhone or iPod Touch.

If you don’t have one when you arrive,  then guests are provided with a 16GB iPod Touch that has the "Hotel Evolution" application already loaded. After logging in with their room number and security code you can use the gear to look up information on shopping, nightlife and local restaurants, as well as check their messages. You can also stick a DO NOT DISTURB notice on the iPhone, or order room cleaning or additional linens, towels and toiletries.

The software’s developer, Runtriz, told AP that  the system was also being installed in several hotels in Las Vegas, Orange County, Miami and New Jersey, but further details have yet to be announced. Hotels reportedly pay Runtriz $10 per room for using the service.

More here.