Marriott to introduce Amazon’s Alexa as new butler service

By Alexandra Coulton

Marriott International has partnered with Amazon to put the tech company’s Echo smart speakers in select hotels, increasing access to amenities.

According to Reuters, the partnership is part of an attempt to expand Alexa’s presence in the hospitality industry.

So does this mean we’re one step closer to robot butlers? We think yes.

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With the help of the smart speakers, guests can ask Alexa for hotel information, contact the hotel to request services (yes, this includes room service), play music in their room, ask the concierge for dinner recommendations and even control the room temperature and lighting.

According to Amazon, Alexa for Hospitality is now available to hospitality providers by invitation only, with Marriott rolling out the new service at select properties in Marriott Hotels, Westin Hotels & Resorts, St. Regis Hotels & Resorts, Aloft Hotels, and Autograph Collection Hotels.

As per Reuters, there have been reports that the hotel chain tested Alexa alongside Apple’s smart speaker, Siri to see which was better suited to their hotels.

“This was not a direct comparison with Siri. We work with a number of partners in order to test emerging technology so we can learn and leverage what we believe will enhance the guest experience,” Marriott said, according to Reuters.

“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, Amazon said in a statement.

“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.”

Amazon is also working on having the devices sync with guests’ accounts so they can take their preferences with them wherever they go, and play their own music for example, according to Forbes.

“So many of our guests use voice technology in their home, and we want to extend that convenience to their travel experience,” Jennifer Hsieh, Vice President Customer Experience Innovation, Marriott International said in the same statement.

“Guests of Charlotte Marriott City Center and Marriott Irvine Spectrum will be among the first to experience a curated list of Alexa for Hospitality features. We will be evaluating guest feedback and adoption to inform how we expand the skills, features, and functionality offered through Alexa in our hotels.”

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Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au

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