Marriott Expands Mobile Check-in Service

Marriott Hotels has unveiled plans to rollout mobile check-in at 325 hotels in the U.S. and Canada.

Already launched at 31 Marriott-brand hotels, mobile check-in will expand to all 325 Marriott-brand hotels later this summer.

According to the consulting firm Hudson Crossing, emerging Gen Y travelers (ages 24 – 36) in the U.S. lead all other age groups in smartphone ownership at 80% and travelers in general are more likely to own mobile devices.

With the Marriott Mobile App, check-in is simple. All Marriott Rewards members can check-in after 4 pm the day before their arrival and will receive an automatic notification when their room is ready. Because credit card information is stored within their Marriott Rewards profiles, members simply walk up to the expedited mobile check-in desk where their pre-programmed key card will be waiting for them.

The mobile check-in feature is part of the free Marriott mobile app available in the Apple iTunes Store and Google Play.

“As Marriott developed the app and tested mobile check-in, we engaged customers, asking for their feedback to perfect the experience and learn what mattered most to them,” said Paul Cahill, senior vice president of brand management for Marriott Hotels. “Our frequent guests told us they wanted mobile check-in first, using their smartphones, to be widely available. That is what we are delivering as Marriott Hotels continues its journey of envisioning the future of travel for the next generation.”

The Marriott Mobile App will not stop at check-in. Future innovations are currently being tested at Marriott’s “mobile incubator” hotels, including checkout and guest service requests.

Marriott also has plans to expand mobile guest services outside the U.S. and Canada.