] The German Kempinski chain, which manages the Emirates
] Palace, aims to use its technological infrastructure to
] attract government conferences, especially those needing
] tight network security.

] That ability was a top draw for February's international
] arms trade show, where defense officials from several
] countries wanted secrecy and secure telephones for
] weapons deals, Coeshott said.

] The hotel's network already has a full-time security officer
] who monitors its 16 firewalls and intrusion detection
] systems. The staff is working to win accreditation used
] by the British banking system, Coeshott said.

] On special request, the computer and broadcast network
] -- and its 3.5 terabyte storage network -- can be cut
] off completely from the outside world, like the U.S.
] government's secure intranet, he said.

] Guests in the hotel's 394 bedrooms, where nightly rates
] range from $600 to $12,000, get a handheld computer
] to interact with the television, stereo and 30 separate
] lights in each room. The $2,500 Linux-based AMX
] handheld, with an 8-inch color screen, can also arrange
] a wake-up call, download a movie, record a TV show
] or call for maid service.

Sounds like a great place for a hacker con.

CNN.com - A traveling geek's gilded dream - Apr 22, 2005