Amazon’s Alexa voice service checks into hotels

Amazon has launched Alexa for Hospitality, a programme designed to bring its voice assistant into hotels, enabling guests to order room service, request housekeeping or call the concierge for dinner recommendations without even picking up the phone.

The Internet giant is extending the voice-first service to hospitality providers on a by-invitation-only basis. The experience will be rolled out to select properties under brands such as Marriott Hotels, Westin Hotels & Resorts, St Regis Hotels & Resorts, Aloft Hotels and Autograph Collection Hotels starting this summer.

Jennifer Hsieh, vice president customer experience innovation, Marriott International, said: “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.”

Alexa can also be configured by hospitality providers to allow guests to control and adjust in-room devices like lights, thermostats, blinds and TVs to their individual preferences or ask Alexa to play music from popular services including iHeartRadio and TuneIn.

Moreover, guests can be given access to Alexa skills to check airport wait times, play games, get in a guided workout, play white noise to help them fall asleep, and more.

Soon, Alexa for Hospitality will support the ability for Amazon customers to temporarily connect their Amazon account to the Alexa-enabled device in their room. Once connected, guests will be able to play their personal music from services including Amazon Music, Spotify and Pandora; and listen to audiobooks with Audible.

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