Marriott offers mobile check-out

Marriott has upgraded its mobile app with an extra feature that allows guests to check-out using their smartphones.

Initially available at 326 Marriott Hotels & Resorts properties in the US, the mobile check-out feature will issue an alert to guests on their smartphones prior to their departure from the hotel. Guests can then enter their email address and the hotel bill will be emailed to them. This will allow guests to make payment via their smartphone and bypass the reception desk.

Paul Cahill, senior vice president of brand management for Marriott Hotels, said the latest innovation formed part of the company’s ‘Travel Brilliantly’ campaign, which focuses on catering to younger, tech-savvy travellers.

“By relentlessly focusing on the needs of the next generation of travellers who are mobile and global, Marriott Hotels is putting itself at the forefront of the hotel mobile revolution,” said Cahill.

“When we launched our Travel Brilliantly campaign last year, we made a promise to introduce innovations for our guests that provide a seamless and more customised experience throughout their entire journey. We’re excited to add mobile checkout to our portfolio of innovations as Marriott Hotels re-imagines the future of travel.”

The mobile check-out feature follows the roll-out of Marriott’s mobile check-in system in July 2013, which is now being expanded to hotels across the world. And the company said it is now looking at extra app features, including the ability for guests to instantly message hotel staff and request things like extra pillows, towels and wake up calls.

Following the initial US launch, the mobile check-out feature will be rolled out to all 500 Marriott Hotels properties across the world, with the service available in English, Chinese, French, Spanish and German.

The Marriott Mobile app is available for iOS and Android devices.