Heightened in-room entertainment is not about offering guests convenience, but about matching their expectations, and ensuring they are more relaxed and productive during their stay
In a conventional situation, when guest want amenities or towels, they have to call the housekeeping department from the room phone and place their request. Well, things are evolving. In some Marriott hotels, guests can soon state their requests for these items to an Amazon Echo device in their rooms and the housekeeping department will simply send it to their room.
HOW, YOU ASK?
It is courtesy the recent Alexa for Hospitality programme by Amazon, which the company announced in June 2018, nearly seven months after announcing Alexa for Business. It offers hotels an Amazon Echo device that can be used as a voice-activated virtual concierge in each room.
While explaining the programme’s functionality and utility at a New York preview, Amazon’s VP, Daniel Rausch said, “It is a set of tools that allows hotels to build immersive experiences with Alexa right into the hotel context, the brand context and the guest stay.”
Initially, Marriott International has signed up as Amazon’s launch partner on the new platform, since it has been testing both Siri and Alexa devices for various other applications. It is expected that the hotel chain will introduce the new Alexa solution at select properties in Westin Hotels & Resorts, St. Regis Hotels & Resorts, Aloft Hotels, and Autograph Collection Hotels in the Americas. At the same time, Amazon is also inviting other hospitality providers to leverage this solution using customised Echo devices that will be installed in guest rooms.
If you thought that this solution can only be used for ordering stuff from the housekeeping department, you have another think coming. Guests can use the Alexa solution to place in-room dining requests, speak to the concierge or the front desk or book spa appointments.
This story is from the July 2018 edition of Hotelier India.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the July 2018 edition of Hotelier India.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Restroom Rendezvous
Ajay Khurana, MD, Formica India, talks about the bold and beautiful designs that make a splash in hotel bathrooms.
Off The Beaten Track
Time to make travel plans to discover new destinations and what they have to offer. Here's a sneak peek at 10 unusual destinations to watch out for in 2024...
Space Craft
As we begin a new calendar year, it is time to look into the crystal ball to see which design trends will rule the hospitality industry this year.
A Piece of Heaven on Earth
Nature takes centre stage at Courtyard by Marriott Mahabaleshwar, a tranquil escape from the urban hustle and bustle.
What's On The Menu?
Leading chefs from across the country predict the food trends for 2024.
"India is a market on every global investor's radar!"
Xander Nijnens, Senior Managing Director, Head of Advisory & Asset Management, Hotels & Hospitality, Asia-Pacific, JLL, shares insightful trends about the Indian hospitality industry and where it's heading...
Green Living
Exploring the sustainable wonders of Canadian Wood Species
A Year of Unprecedented Growth and Strategic Brilliance
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts witnessed an impressive 2023. A sneak peek at its key milestones...
Charting the 2024 Course
Industry leaders share their vision of what the hospitality scene in India will look like this year.
Hotelisation of Office Buildings
Is the name of his game. Vivek Narain, Founder & CEO, district150 and The Quorum, tells us more about his innovative hospitality business.