Amazon launches Amazon for Hospitality in Marriott hotels
Amazon has teamed up with the Marriott hotel chain to launch a new service called Alexa for Hospitality where Amazon Echo devices will be placed in hotel rooms.
Using the Amazon Echo device in their room, guests will be able to ask Alexa for hotel information and contact the hotel to request hotel services like room service or housekeeping. Alexa can also be configured by hospitality providers to allow guests to control and adjust in-room devices like lights, thermostats, blinds and TVs to their individual preferences or ask Alexa to play music.
Amazon said Alexa for Hospitality will help hotels to deepen guest engagement through seamless voice-first experiences that offer new ways for guests to access services and amenities during their stay.
The new service is available to hospitality providers by invitation only. Marriott is introducing the new Alexa experience at selected properties in Marriott Hotels, Westin Hotels & Resorts, St. Regis Hotels & Resorts, Aloft Hotels, and Autograph Collection Hotels starting this summer.
Daniel Rausch, vice president of Amazon, said: “Customers tell us they love how easy it is to get information, enjoy entertainment, and control connected devices by simply asking Alexa, and we want to offer those experiences everywhere customers want them. Alexa for Hospitality makes your hotel stay a little more like being at home and gives hospitality providers new ways to create memorable stays for their guests.”
Guests of Charlotte Marriott City Centre and Marriott Irvine Spectrum will be among the first to experience a curated list of Alexa for Hospitality features.
Jennifer Hsieh, vice president customer experience innovation at Marriott International, said: “Marriott has a long track record of innovating for our guests, and we’re thrilled to be among the first to offer Alexa for Hospitality.
“We will be evaluating guest feedback and adoption to inform how we expand the skills, features, and functionality offered through Alexa in our hotels.”
Hospitality providers will also have the option to allow their guests to personalise their Alexa in-room experience which will soon support the ability for Amazon customers to temporarily connect their Amazon account to the Alexa-enabled device in their room.
When a guest checks out, Alexa for Hospitality automatically disconnects their Amazon account from the in-room device.
