BETHESDA, Md. — Marriott International, Inc. has debuted a pilot program for contactless arrival kiosks at several select-service hotels and launched a proof-of-concept for contactless grab-and-go marketplaces at two Fairfield by Marriott hotels.
Both concepts build upon ongoing measures to boost traveller confidence while reinforcing the company’s Commitment-to-Clean initiative.
Marriott’s contactless experience continues to evolve, further enhancing features such as mobile check-in and checkout, mobile key, mobile dining and mobile requests — which enable members to make special requests for service and amenities through real-time messaging — all available through the Marriott Bonvoy app when members book direct.
“We’re excited to unveil innovative new technologies to support our guests as travel continues to return,” says Stephanie Linnartz, president of Marriott International. “The pandemic has accelerated the demand for contactless services and we continue to evolve to meet the changing needs of our guests. The new offerings are an added benefit to the personalized hospitality we are known for and we look forward to enhancing our customer experience by blending contactless services with dedicated in-person interactions.”
Smart, contactless arrival kiosks have made their pilot debut at the Moxy NYC Times Square, Courtyard New York Manhattan/Midtown East, TownePlace Suites Monroe (Louisiana) and will soon be available at Moxy Miami South Beach, to provide an expedited arrival experience and help give guests peace of mind once they enter the hotel. Upon arrival, guests who prefer low-contact interactions can skip the traditional check-in altogether and complete an easy three-step process at the kiosk to check in for a single reservation, with room keys created on the spot. The kiosks employ antimicrobial technology baked into the touchscreen glass, powered by UV light to kill bacteria and viruses.
Before departure, guests can use the kiosks for contactless check-out and to view their folio or enroll in the Marriott Bonvoy travel program at any time.
The new grab-and-go marketplace concept being tested at Fairfield by Marriott hotels is designed to be inventive, yet familiar.
The Fairfield Inn & Suites Frederick and Fairfield Inn & Suites Arundel Mills BWI Airport, both located in Maryland, have introduced wall-to-wall kiosks that offer a centralized marketplace where guests can select snacks, beverages, ‘lite bites’ and sundries. The brand’s complimentary daily-breakfast offering has been incorporated into the design during breakfast hours, with a selection of hot breakfast sandwiches, sweet items, yogurt, cereal and fruit every morning.
Specialty coffee and expanded à-la-carte items will also be available for purchase at the kiosks with contact-free Bluetooth payment.
The individually packaged items are replenished throughout the day. Guests can choose to eat in the lobby, their own room or on the go.
Both new technologies aim to help streamline operations with increased efficiency, allowing hotel staff to engage with guests in more meaningful, personalized ways.
