The hotel giant, which has 30 brands in its portfolio following the acquisition of Starwood, is using Internet of Things (IoT) technology to create a “guestroom lab” at Marriott’s headquarters in the US.

This technology allows guests to use virtual assistants for requests such as organising a wake-up call, starting a yoga routine on a full-length mirror, setting the temperature in the shower and asking for extra housekeeping services. These requests can be made by text or voice.

Stephanie Linnartz, Marriott’s global chief commercial officer, said: “We know that our guests expect to personalise almost everything in their lives, and their hotel experience should be no different.

“By teaming with best-in-class partners, we are leveraging mobile and voice-enabled technology to give our guests the ability to set up the room to best meets their needs – whether that is creating the ultimate relaxation environment or one that enables productivity for business travellers.” 

Marriott said IoT technology could make the design and construction of hotel rooms more efficient and sustainable through the use of multiple systems, devices and applications that can all communicate with each other.

Samsung is using IoT to create products such as “intuitive” lighting and voice-activated room controls, while Legrand specialises in power, light and data services.

Karim Khalifa, senior vice president, global design at Marriott, added: “We’re proud to be innovating with industry leading partners to get closer to revolutionising the guest experience, along with hotel operations and even hotel construction.

“Together with Samsung and Legrand, we are well on our way to creating the hotel room of the future.”