Mobile check-in goes global at Marriott Hotels

BANGKOK - The faster, easier and more convenient mobile check-in from Marriott Hotels, the signature brand of Marriott International is now available at 20 additional Marriott hotels in 19 countries including United Kingdom, Mexico, United Arab Emirates and India.  First launched at 329 hotels in the U.S. and Canada, the mobile check-in feature on the Marriott Mobile App has expanded internationally, representing the broadest mobile offering of its kind in the lodging industry.

According to research by GroupM Next, 57 percent of business travellers aged 21-39 use their smartphone to book a hotel.  These younger travellers are also more likely to use mobile devices to enhance their travel experiences.  Marriott Hotels expects to complete the full global roll out of mobile check-in at all 500 hotels, as well as offer check-out functionality, in the first half of 2014.  

With the Marriott Mobile App, check-in is simple.  Marriott Rewards members, who have downloaded the app, can check-in through a smartphone as early as 4 pm the day before arrival, receiving an automatic notification when the room is ready. On arrival, Marriott Rewards guests simply go to the expedited mobile check-in desk where a key card will be ready and waiting.

“As Marriott developed the app and tested mobile check-in, we engaged customers, asking for their feedback to perfect the experience and learn what mattered most to them,” said Paul Cahill, senior vice president of brand management for Marriott Hotels. “Mobile check-in is just the start.  Our guests are more mobile and global than ever before and technology is increasingly important to them, which is why we will add check-out next year.  We will continue to solicit feedback from our guests as we enhance the travel experience with Marriott.”

The brand’s mobile innovation will continue as Marriott Hotels has launched 12 mobile “incubator” hotels in the U.S. to test future mobile enhancements. Guests at those hotels can make service requests using their smartphones. The most popular guest requests so far include additional towels, wake-up calls and housekeeping.

Sourced: TravelDailyNews