Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE:MAR) today announced that it has begun testing mobile wireless check-in for Microsoft’s Windows Mobile®-powered devices on end-to-end Intel Architecture for a select group of travelers to Redmond (Wash.) Marriott Town Center.
In a collaborative effort with Intel® Solution Services and Microsoft®, Marriott is working toward implementing a mobile wireless check-in process that is convenient and easy for guests to use. During testing, guests with Microsoft Windows Mobile-powered Smartphones–running the PocketPC Platform–can simply download and install Marriott’s seamless mobility software from Arrive.Marriott.com. Using the Internet, they can then connect securely to the Redmond Marriott Town Center hotel’s property management system and check in to their room while in transit to the hotel. Guests will also be able to change room types, receive welcome information and reconfirm their room rates. When they arrive at the hotel, guests retrieve their room keys from a conveniently located automated key dispenser in the lobby.
Critical to the test is innovative software developed by Intel Solution Services to Marriott’s requirements that enables guests to check-in while in motion and eliminates the need to restart the check-in process, even if the wireless signal is lost in transit. Information entered by travelers will be automatically restored when the signal is re-established. A future benefit of this project will also enable guests to check in from their office PCs and laptops.
Upon successful completion of the test later this year, Marriott will evaluate requirements for production development and a rollout plan for mobile wireless check-in at its hotels.
MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL, INC. (NYSE: MAR) is a leading lodging company with nearly 2,800 lodging properties in the United States and 67 other countries and territories. Marriott International operates and franchises hotels under the Marriott, JW Marriott, The Ritz-Carlton, Renaissance, Residence Inn, Courtyard, TownePlace Suites, Fairfield Inn, SpringHill Suites and Bulgari brand names; develops and operates vacation ownership resorts under the Marriott Vacation Club International, Horizons, The Ritz-Carlton Club and Grand Residences by Marriott brands; operates Marriott Executive Apartments; provides furnished corporate housing through its Marriott ExecuStay division; and operates conference centers and golf courses. The company is headquartered in Washington, D.C., and had approximately 143,000 employees at 2005 year-end. It is ranked as the lodging industry’s most admired company and one of the best places to work for by FORTUNE® . The company is also a 2006 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ENERGY STAR® Partner. In fiscal year 2005, Marriott International reported sales from continuing operations of $11.6 billion. For more information or reservations, please visit our web site at
www.marriott.com.
