Samsung Electronics announced on Wednesday that vacationers will be able to use the company’s Galaxy S3 mobile phone to access “smart hotel” services during the 2012 London Olympics.

The company said that it has teamed up with multinational hotel chain Holiday Inn to provide services for vacationers at the chain’s London-Stratford location.

Those with a Galaxy S3 will be able to use the device to access the hotel’s services, such as operating the TV, lighting and air-conditioning units in their rooms. Vacationers will also be able to use the device as a replacement for their hotel keys.

These services were developed in partnership with the mobile hotel solution provider Fingi Inc., the Korean electronics giant said.

According to Samsung Electronics, guests will also be able to watch news coverage of the Olympic Games from their phones.

But company officials said that these special services will be limited to just 40 rooms at the hotel, and priority will first be given to VIP guests.

A Samsung Electronics official also said that the company plans to pursue similar partnerships with other businesses in the future, in order to provide special services for consumers through its Galaxy S3 mobile device.

It currently offers a mobile solution service called the “Samsung Enterprise Alliance Program,” which provides mobile solutions for a variety of industry sectors, including shipping, distribution, and even education.

Both Samsung Electronics and Holiday Inn are official sponsors of the Games, which opens this Friday in London.

By Renee Park (renee@heraldcorp.com)