In yet another development in the hotel industry that could threaten to render front desks obsolete, Marriott Hotels has launched a virtual mobile check-in service that aims to shave guests precious minutes when they arrive at their hotel and cater to the invisible traveler.
Once they have downloaded the Marriott Mobile app, guests can use their smartphones to check in at 4 pm the day before their arrival. They will also receive a notification when their room is ready.
Not unlike baggage drop-off desks for fliers who’ve checked in for their flight online, Marriott guests also bypass the traditional front desk and go to a designated mobile check-in counter, where they’ll find their key card and can proceed straight to their room.
Marriott’s mobile check-in service is available across 329 Marriott properties across the US and Canada (excluding Quebec) and will also roll out to 15 other countries including the UK, China, the United Arab Emirates, Mexico and India by late November.
