Both Hilton and Marriott are experimenting with in-room technology that caters to an individual guest’s needs.
In a Hilton “Connected Room,” guests can have their preferences — selected via mobile app — accounted for during their stay. “If you like your room cold and to have ESPN on the TV, the room can start cooling once you check in,” said Joshua Sloser, senior vice president of digital for Hilton, when the tech was launched. “And when you use the phone or room remote to turn on the TV, your favorite ESPN and other channels would be on the screen by default.”
The nifty service will be scaled rapidly at Hilton hotels throughout 2018.
Marriott is similarly testing rooms that allow guests to control their experience via voice control or app. Imagine, for instance, using a virtual assistant to play a yoga video on your full-length mirror, or to request additional housekeeping services. These smart rooms can also play your favorite song, set the temperature to your preference and even draw a bath. (Alas, for now, bathers will still have to supply their own rubber duckies.)