Mobile check-in is on the rise, as more and more travelers prefer an easy way to check-in, rather than stand in the line at hotels receptions.
Marriott Hotels made it easier for its guests to check-in with just their smartphones, launching its mobile check-in app (Marriott Mobile App) in the summer of 2013 first for 329 hotels in the U.S and Canada.
Due to its success, the hotel chain decided to expand the service to 20 additional Marriott hotels in 19 countries worldwide. As of November 2013, Marriott Mobile App is available in countries like: United Kingdom, Mexico, United Arab Emirates, Singapore, India, Australia or Philippines. Marriott hotels from China will also have the mobile check-in feature available in early 2014.
A study conducted by GroupM Next shows that 57% of business travelers with ages between 21 and 39 uses their smartphone to book a hotel. They are also more likely to use mobile devices to improve their travel experiences.
According to Marriott Hotels, the company expects to complete the full global roll out of mobile check-in at all 500 hotels worldwide, as well as offer check-out functionality, in the first half of 2014.
The check-in with Marriott Mobile App is very simple. As a plus, Marriott Rewards members who download the app, they being allowed to check-in through their smartphone as early as 4pm, the day before arrival receiving a notification when the room is ready. Once arrived at Marriott Rewards, guests simply go to the mobile check-in desk, where a key card will be ready for them.
“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. Mobile check-in is just the start. Our guests are more mobile and global than ever before and technology is increasingly important to them, which is why we will add check-out next year. We will continue to solicit feedback from our guests as we enhance the travel experience with Marriott.” – Paul Cahill, senior vice president of brand management for Marriott Hotels declared.
According to Marriott, the Marriott Mobile App has been downloaded over 2.5 million times and Marriott.com receives over 4.5 million visits a month from smartphones.
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