Athina MallisAmazon is having a crack at waking you up next time you stay at a hotel or motel or if your having problems falling asleep, playing you some soothing music.
The online giant is introducing Alexa for Hospitality so that hotel chains like the Marriott can not only deliver vital travel information in seconds but wake you up with a simple command.
For those worried about Alexa recording your conversations or hotels listening in on what goes on behind closed doors, Amazon says using Alexa is optional and conversations between guests and Alexa are not recorded.
Amazon says it also encrypts all data in transit between the Amazon Echo and Amazon’s servers, and all customer data is securely kept on Amazon AWS servers.
Guests can also be given access to thousands of Alexa skills to check airport wait times, play games, get in a quick guided workout and play white noise to help them fall asleep.
Hoteliers are able to customise what Alexa can do for guests depending on needs. Soon users will be able to link their Amazon account to the Alexa device in the hotel room with the ability to play music from their streaming accounts. When a guest checks out, Alexa for Hospitality automatically disconnects their Amazon account from the in-room device.
Alexa for Hospitality is available to hospitality providers by invitation starting today, with Marriott International introducing the new Alexa experience at select properties in Marriott Hotels, Westin Hotels & Resorts, St. Regis Hotels & Resorts, Aloft Hotels, and Autograph Collection Hotels starting mid-2018
Daniel Rausch, VP at 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.”
No word on when it will be available in Australian Marriott hotels.