Hospitality Update – Hotel Lobbies and Marriott Contactless Arrival Kiosks

By | February 13, 2022

Contactless Arrival Kiosks

From Hospitality Upgrade — Marriott Delivers on Consumer Desire for Enhanced Contactless Technology

Marriott International, Inc. announced the debut of a pilot program for contactless arrival kiosks at several select-service hotels, as well as the launch of a proof-of-concept for contactless grab-and-go marketplaces at two Fairfield by Marriott hotels.

Contactless Arrival Kiosks at Moxy NYC Times Square
“We are excited to unveil innovative new technologies to support our guests as travel continues to return,” said Stephanie 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 personalized hospitality we are known for, and we look forward to enhancing our customer experience by blending contactless services with dedicated in-person interactions.”

The Future Of Hotel Lobbies

Another interesting article from Hospitality Upgrade is one on Hotel Lobbies.  The article from Spring 2021 issue focuses on the demographic groups that hotels are now heeding. That would be X and Z gens. The article expects the usual reception desk will be eliminated and we will enter the “Yotel” phase of check-in via automation. Maybe some that will work but until AI jumps a couple of generations ahead we can’t see a computer application managing to all of the use cases.

Business Insider India

Marriott is testing contactless check-in via kiosk as travel begins to return — see how to works

  • Marriott is testing contactless check-in and check-out kiosks and a “grab-and-go marketplace.”
  • The hotel giant is looking to “blend” contactless amenities with face-to-face interactions.
  • The demand for contactless solutions has been on the rise throughout COVID-19.

COVID-19 spurred a demand for contactless services, and Marriott is now leaning into this by testing its new contactless arrival kiosks and markets, eliminating the need for face-to-face check-ins or snack purchases, respectively.

The kiosks, which help speed up the check-in process, can already be seen at several Marriott locations.

Moxy NYC Times Sq_Contactless_Kiosk_01   credit Marriott International
Moxy NYC Times Square hotel’s contactless kiosk. 
Marriott International
Author: Retail Systems

Craig Allen Keefner is an influential figure in the self-service technology industry, best known for his leadership in kiosks, digital signage, and retail automation. Based in Denver, Colorado, Keefner has managed the Kiosk Industry Group (Kiosk Manufacturer Association) since 2014, supporting self-service professionals and overseeing projects in kiosks, point-of-sale systems, thin client technology, and related fields.​ Over his career, Keefner has served in various executive and managerial roles—including as owner and CEO of pioneering kiosk and retail tech companies, as well as managing key industry websites such as kioskindustry.org and thinclient.org. His experience also includes significant contributions to the deployment and advancement of interactive technology in healthcare, retail, and smart cities.​ Keefner holds a BA from the University of Tulsa and has earned credentials in electronics and technology from institutions like the Missouri Institute of Technology and DeVry. Often recognized as “Mr. Kiosk,” he is noted for his expertise, industry advocacy, and innovation in digital self-service solutions