Marriott guests in Charlotte, N.C., and Irvine, Calif., will be the first to get to use the new system, called
Alexa for Hospitality. In addition to more basic services like environmental control, each hotel will be able to configure its devices with more customized options based on what the property has to offer. For example, Echo devices at a hotel with a restaurant could make reservations upon request.
The devices can also be programmed with specific Alexa skills, so guests could inquire about things like local public transit or flight times. And eventually there will be the option to log in to a personal Amazon account through the device, so guests can access their own playlists or audiobooks. The device will automatically sign out of their account when they check out.
Other Marriott properties across the U.S. may be able to join the program “by invitation” after June 19, but the system will be implemented internationally later this season.
Kate is a senior copy editor in Northern California. She holds a bachelor's degree in English with a minor in professional writing from the University of California, Davis.
