Hotels hop on the handheld bandwagon

— -- Electronic reading devices are kindling hotel guests' interest.

Last month, the three Gansevoort hotels — in Manhattan, South Beach and the Turks & Caicos islands — began lending Sony Reader Digital Books, handheld devices that allow users to peruse downloaded literature.

Having readers (available for complimentary use on a first-come, first-served basis) appeals to carry-on aficionados who don't want to lug lots of reading material, says Gansevoort New York sales and marketing director Suzi DeAngelis. From a marketing perspective, it "helps set us apart and makes people come back," she says. Gansevoorts will even download guest requests.

Meanwhile, popular Kindle readers are a hit at Manhattan's Algonquin Hotel and a good fit with its literary pedigree.

Its Kindles are loaded with a variety of books, including some written by members of the venerable Algonquin Round Table, such as Edna Ferber and Robert Benchley.