Amazon Wants Alexa to Be Your New Hotel Concierge
There’s big news in the travel biz! Starting this summer, Amazon will be offering a new service that’s changing the way you enjoy your hotel stay. Their invite-only service, Alexa for Hospitality, is being integrated into select hotels via an in-room Echo. Using simple voice-commands (e.g., “Alexa, order me room service.”), guests can do everything from order room service, ask for hotel information, request extra plushy towels, and get an expedited checkout.
The popular online retailer found this team-up to be a natural integration with customers who were already using audio enablement in other ways. “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,” said Daniel Rausch, Vice President of Amazon. “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.”
To date, Alexa for Hospitality has only been initiated at select Marriott, Westin, St. Regis, Aloft, and Autograph Collection hotels. All of these properties will feature an Amazon Echo, Echo Plus, or Echo Dots device in their rooms to debut the audio tool starting this summer. The devices can also be programmed by the hotel to allow guests to use Alexa to control their in-room lights and temperature, play music, do quick workouts, and check on airport wait times.
In the future, Amazon customers will be able to temporarily connect their Amazon account to the in-room device for a truly personalized experience, enabling access to their personal favorite playlists, audiobooks, and more. Once a guest checks out, their account is automatically disconnected. If you’re worried about privacy (voice commands are deleted daily), you can always turn off the mic or the device entirely. But having a smart device available to handle all of your requests without your lifting a finger just made your hotel stay that much easier.
To get more info on Alexa for Hospitality, check their site or visit any of the above hotel properties. Happy travels!
Would you use Alexa when you travel? Tell us on Twitter @BritandCo.
(Photos via Getty and Amazon)
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