Marriott International is testing contactless arrival kiosks at several select-service properties and contactless grab-and-go marketplaces at two Fairfield by Marriott hotels, the company announced this week. Both concepts build upon ongoing measures to boost traveler confidence while reinforcing Marriott's Commitment to Clean program, according to the company.
The arrival kiosks give guests the option to skip the front desk and complete a three-step process for check-in, with room keys created on the spot, according to Marriott. Antimicrobial technology is built into the kiosks' 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. They also can use the app to enroll in Marriott's Bonvoy loyalty program.
The kiosks currently are available at the Moxy NYC Times Square, Courtyard New York Manhattan/Midtown East and TownePlace Suites Monroe in Louisiana, and soon will be available at the Moxy Miami South Beach.
The grab-and-go marketplace concept—offered at two Fairfield Inn & Suites properties in Maryland, in Frederick and at the Arundel Mills BWI Airport—consists of a wall-to-wall kiosk that offers select "snacks, beverages, lite bites and sundries." The brand's complimentary breakfast has been incorporated into the design with a selection of hot breakfast sandwiches, sweet offerings, yogurt, cereal and fruit each morning, according to the company. Specialty coffee and expanded a-la-carte items also will be available for purchase at the kiosk with contact-free Bluetooth payment.
Both new kiosk features complement the contactless options available through the Bonvoy app when members book direct, which include mobile check-in and check-out, mobile key, mobile dining and mobile requests, according to Marriott.
The company has no predetermined timeframe for the programs or expansion plans, according to a company spokesperson. "We developed these offerings to meet the needs of consumers in a new travel environment and will closely take into consideration guest feedback in determining our next steps," the spokesperson said in an email.
Accor Adds 'Digital Hotel'
Meanwhile, Accor has announced its first "fully digital hotel," the Ibis Styles London Gloucester Road. The hotel's digital features include online and mobile check-in, in-hotel payment, a digital key solution, digital food-and-beverage services, and guest relations via Whatsapp.
Guests can use their smartphone, tablet or laptop to check in, and the company has extended its existing Fast Check-Out functionality to all guests, with check-out via a smartphone with a PDF of their invoice sent via email. Mobile Accor keys will allow room access, entry to meeting rooms and floor access from elevators, according to the company. Guests can make online payments for their stay through Pay By Link. Further, Accor's Click Pay Collect technology also enables guests to order food and drink from the hotel's digital menu using their smartphones. Expenses can be paid up front or charged to the room and paid upon checkout.
This hotel is "the first step in an ambitious roll-out plan which will impact at least 50 percent of hotels across all brand segments in North and Central America in the next five years," according to the company. In February, Accor announced a global rollout of digital room keys, available first in all new hotels opening in 2021, then in existing properties.