“Alexa, order wine and towels,” could soon be the preferred way to order room service without lifting a fingertip.
According to Marriot International, last summer Amazon introduced the new Alexa experience at select properties in Marriott Hotels, Westin Hotels & Resorts, St. Regis Hotels & Resorts, Aloft Hotels, and Autograph Collection Hotels.
Using voice-activated technology, guests and hoteliers alike can receive a helping hand.
“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,” Daniel Rausch, vice president of Amazon, said in a press release.
“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.”
Via the Echo, guests can book hotel services, such as spa appointments, and provide facility hours, asking Alexa for information about the hotel itself — like where the fitness center is located, when the pool is open, and other general information.
The electronic concierge is built to work with pre-existing hotel technologies, which eliminates the need for equipment upgrades. The technology often operates with popular in-room entertainment providers.
Specifically, it works with guest room entertainment providers World Cinema and GuestTek for voice control of TV experiences, and offers in-room control of connected devices using Crestron and Inncom by Honeywell, Amazon says.
Guests can access third-party apps for things like workouts, airport wait times, meditation, white noise and more, including custom skills that may tie into a hotel partnership — as with Marriott Hotels’ partnership with TED. In those locations, guest can ask Alexa for a TED Talk on mindfulness, creativity or leadership.
