Marriott to Make Alert Devices Standard at Hotels in US and Canada; Considers Global Rollout

Marriott is ramping up the deployment of alert devices for housekeepers and other on-property staff, allowing them to discretely summon help if they feel harassed in any way, need quick support or spot a guest in distress.

The company is making the alert devices a new standard across its portfolio of more than 5,000 managed and franchised hotels in the United States and Canada and is exploring similar technology solutions to meet the needs of its global hotel portfolio and workforce.

The rollout is projected to continue through 2020 as the company and its franchise partners fine-tune and tailor installations at individual sites ranging from high rise city properties and sprawling resorts to suburban hotels.

“No one should ever be fearful doing their job, least of all associates on-property who are so vital to the success of our company and our industry,” said Arne Sorenson, President and Chief Executive Officer, Marriott International. “The safety of everyone at our properties is always a top priority as is deterring and combatting harassment of any kind. I’m deeply proud to say our entire industry is unified around these important goals.”

The device has been tested for over a year in many locations and a lot of housekeepers have expressed relief and described heightened peace of mind, not because they’ve had to use the device, but because they know they can if trouble arises.

“I’ve spoken with housekeepers who describe the feeling of walking into a guest room and not knowing what’s on the other side of the door,” said Erika Alexander, Chief Lodging Services Officer, The Americas, for Marriott International and a former Marriott Hotel General Manager. “Realizing they now have a device right at their fingertips is automatically empowering and it reminds them they’re not alone. I hear the relief and confidence in their voices, I see it in their faces. Not only does it make them feel better, it makes their families feel better about the work environment they’re in. That’s why we’re doing this.”

Marriott housekeepers echo this sentiment. “It’s a big relief for the whole family. First of all, for me being on the floor late and for my husband and kids. We don’t have to worry about mommy, she’s never going to be in danger. She’s working in a safe environment,” shared Latifa E., a Marriott Housekeeper.

“Everybody is happy in the hotel about this change, because everybody feels more safe,” said Carlos C., a Marriott Housekeeping Aid.

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