Hotel Indigo Newcastle replaces traditional bedside Bibles with Kindles pre-loaded with the religious text

The new Hotel Indigo Newcastle is the world’s first hotel to replace the iconic Gideon’s Bible with Kindle e-readers pre-loaded with an electronic version of the religious text.

The popular device will be available to guests during their stay and will initially include a copy of The Bible, however guests will also be able to download their preferred religious books via the hotel’s free Wi-Fi during their stay*.

The introduction is inspired by Hotel Indigo Newcastle’s location and literary history. Newcastle was formerly a publishing hotspot, and the hotel is located near the Literary and Philosophical Society of Newcastle Upon Tyne (or the Lit & Phil as it is popularly known), the largest independent library outside London.

Adam Munday, General Manager of Hotel Indigo Newcastle said, “Every Hotel Indigo draws inspiration from its local area to give guests an individual experience. In the 18th Century, Newcastle was one of the largest print centres in Britain and we’re in Grainger Town, close to the Lit & Phil. We wanted to reflect this literary history in a very contemporary way so are offering guests the use of cutting-edge Kindles pre-loaded with The Bible, instead of the more traditional hardcopy Gideon’s Bible that they would expect to find in a hotel.”

Mike Greenup, vice president marketing Europe, IHG, said, “Putting Kindles in guests rooms is a great way to give our guests a flavour of Hotel Indigo Newcastle’s story and location near the Literary & Philosophical society. No two Hotel Indigos are the same, each has its own theme which brings to life the local area. Earlier this year we opened Hotel Indigo Edinburgh in Scotland which has decor and details throughout the hotel in reference to some of the world famous festivals which take place in Edinburgh every year. We plan to open a total of 11 new Hotel Indigos in Europe in the next three to five years.”

Situated in the city’s historical core of Grainger Town, Hotel Indigo Newcastle is just minutes away from the most popular attractions including shopping centres, bars, restaurants and Newcastle United Football Club, as well as the famous sites of Grainger Market and Theatre Royal.

The 148 bedroom boutique hotel features individually designed rooms themed around the city’s Georgian, Edwardian and Victorian architectural heritage, with striking imagery of features such as the iconic Tyne Bridge and vaulted ceilings of the historic Grainger Market.

The hotel offers fantastic facilities and the Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill, located within the hotel, promises to spark a culinary revolution in the city. Whilst the non-residents bar Grainger Lounge offers the perfect spot to relax amongst the famous classical architecture and enjoy a regionally-inspired menu.

*Guests will be able to download religious texts up to £5 for a two week period from 2 – 16 July 2012.