Hotel chain Marriott has started a pilot programme for contactless arrival kiosks at several US hotels, as well as a proof-of-concept for contactless grab-and-go marketplaces at two Fairfield by Marriott hotels.

Both concepts build on ongoing measures to boost traveller confidence while reinforcing the company’s Commitment to Clean initiative.

Marriott’s contactless experience continues to evolve, enhancing features such as mobile check-in and checkout, mobile key, mobile dining, and mobile requests, which enable customers to make special requests for service and amenities through real-time messaging through the Marriott Bonvoy app when they book direct.

“We are excited to unveil innovative new technologies to support our guests as travel continues to return,” saidStephanie Linnartz, president of Marriott International. “The pandemic has accelerated the demand for contactless services and we continue to evolve to meet the changing needs of our guests. The new offerings are an added benefit to the personalised hospitality we are known for, and we look forward to enhancing our customer experience by blending contactless services with dedicated in-person interactions.”

Travellers are seeking to have more control over their trips. According to a recent report published by the Travel Technology Association, 65 per cent of travellers say accommodations will need to use the latest technologies to make them feel safe. In another report from Medallia Zingle, 87 per cent of US customers said they would like to see companies continue to offer options that limit in-person service. Additionally, social media posts including the phrase “self-service” increased by 170 per cent year-over-year from 2019 to 2020, based on a social media analysis conducted on behalf of Marriott.

Smart, contactless arrival kiosks have made their pilot debut at the Moxy NYC Times Square, Courtyard New York Manhattan Midtown East, and Towne Place Suites Monroe in Louisiana, and will soon be available at Moxy Miami South Beach.

Upon arrival, guests who prefer low-contact interactions can skip the traditional check-in altogether and complete a three-step process at the kiosk to check in for a single reservation, with room keys created on the spot. The kiosks employ antimicrobial technology baked into the 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, or enrol in the Marriott Bonvoy travel programme at any time.

Fairfield by Marriott is poised to test a grab-and-go marketplace concept at the Fairfield Inn & Suites Frederick and Fairfield Inn & Suites Arundel Mills BWI Airport, both in Maryland. They have introduced wall-to-wall kiosks that offer a centralised marketplace where guests can select snacks, beverages, light bites and sundries. The brand’s complimentary daily breakfast offering has been incorporated into the design during breakfast hours with a selection of hot breakfast sandwiches, sweets, yogurt, cereal and fruit every morning. Specialty coffee and expanded a-la-carte items will also be available for purchase at the kiosks with contact-free Bluetooth payment.

The individually packaged items are replenished throughout the day. Guests can choose to eat in the lobby, in their own room or on the go.

Both new technologies will help streamline operations with increased efficiency, allowing hotel staff to engage with guests in more meaningful, personalised ways.

Marriott International is based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and encompasses a portfolio of more than 7600 properties under 30 brands spanning 133 countries and territories. Marriott operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts all around the world.