Practically since the day it debuted in the mid ‘60s, Bowers & Wilkins has been hailed as one of the world's premium loudspeakers.

Like other serious audiophile brands, B&W mainly relies on its loyal network of quality retailers and word-of-mouth to grow and sustain its business. Spreading the word beyond its enthusiast core has always posed a serious challenge.

The British firm has recently approached luxury hotels around the world to install its products in ‘the guest room setting.'

"At the current moment, Bowers & Wilkins hospitality audio solutions can be found in over 700 hotel rooms about the globe," notes the firm in a prepared release.

No Canadian luxury hotel figures among the list (that includes the Dana and Elysian Hotels in Chicago; New York's The Carlyle; the Shangri-La in Santa Monica; and the Ritz Carlton, Atlanta: all other hotels are in Asia or Europe).

Also, don't expect to see too many 802s in the posh suites: B&W's Zeppelin is the most commonly used product in the B&W hospitality portfolio, notes the firm, adding that, "however with the recent release of Panorama and Zeppelin Mini, all will soon share Zeppelin's spotlight."

B&W's Zeppelin was introduced in 2007. The Zeppelin Mini was released in late 2009 to offer a smaller bedside system for guest rooms "while maintaining the unforgettable design and sound characteristics of its older brother."

The nine-driver Panorama soundbar, introduced around the same time, is earmarked for larger suites.

It should be noted that although the Zeppelin is a balloon in name only, it still poses something of a flight risk. The roughly 25" x 8" football shaped, US$599 iPod speaker would easily fit into most valises, and weighs no more than 16.5 pounds.

Presumably, hoteliers feel that with the upscale nature of their clientele, the benefits outweigh the risks.

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