Amazon Echo could be about to redefine hotel room service

The term room service may be about to take a literal turn thanks to Amazon Echo.

The e-commerce giant’s virtual assistant device is being trialled across several hotel chains around the world, the latest to sign up being the UK’s Village Hotels and its 28 properties.

In theory, guests will be able to engage with Amazon Echo to find out restaurant, pool, gym, spa and other amenities’ opening times, things to do in the local area, checkout times. The device will also allow you to set up wakeup calls.

Village Hotels commercial director Rob Paterson said: “As technology continues to evolve, customers expect a consistently seamless service. That’s why we have chosen to invest significantly in giving guests a truly multi-channel experience where they have access to all the services and information they require, right at their fingertips.

“We’ve worked closely with Equator to create that experience, first with our intuitive website that makes booking a simple and speedy process for customers, and now with the roll out of the Amazon Echo Dot and interactive screens.

“The response to these exciting additions has been overwhelmingly positive – we’re looking forward to implementing the devices within all Village hotels and opening our most hi-tech site yet in Portsmouth later this year.”

In late 2016, Amazon revealed a partnership with the Wynn Las Vegas hotel with a view to rolling out devices in all 4,700-plus rooms by the end of this summer.