Amazon Launches Alexa System For Hotels; Marriott Signs Up

by Chuck Martin

Marriott International is adding Amazon’s Alexa to hotel rooms at select hotels as part of Amazon’s new Alexa for Hospitality program.

Marriott will be installing Amazon Echo devices in select properties at Marriott Hotels, Westin Hotels and Resorts, Aloft Hotels, St. Regis Hotels and Resorts and Autograph Collection Hotels starting this summer.

Travelers will be able to use the smart speakers to ask Alexa for hotel information, request hotel guest services, set alarms, order towels, turn lights on and off, control room temperature, play music, make phone calls and check out. The Charlotte Marriott City Center and Marriott Irvine Spectrum are to be the first hotels to add Alexa for Hospitality features.

Amazon plans to add the ability to connect to personal Amazon accounts, which would link personal contacts and music. Hotels have to request an invitation from Amazon to become part of the program.

Amazon says hotels can use Alexa for Hospitality to measure engagement through analytics and select default music stations from iHeart Radio stations that match their brand.

There was no mention if there ultimately would be any extra charge to guests using Alexa in a room. While travelers can purchase hotel services directly from the property through Alexa, Amazon shopping is not yet available on the devices.

Amazon said hotel properties will not be able to listen to what is said to Alexa or what is said back. That information resides on Amazon servers.

The off button is on top of the device.