Interactive digital walls offer art and info in hotel lobby

The tapestry changes color and form and also offers sound effects, with images ranging from leaves to buildings to starbursts to abstract art.

Rodriguez says some tech applications in the hotel sector are designed to improve service, with texts that let you know when your room is ready or apps that provide keyless entry to your room via cellphone.

Among other things, technology can also help hotels gather data on what their guests require, and use that information to improve the hotel experience by anticipating customer needs.

Rodriguez says some hotels are replacing those big notebook-style directories typically found in guest rooms with tablets that offer room service menus and how-to information.

The hotel's digital walls are located in a causeway on the ground floor, accessed through 218 W. 35th St. in Manhattan.