Hilton adds smartphone technology to properties worldwide

Guests at Hilton Worldwide properties will soon be able to use their smartphones to choose rooms, check in, and unlock doors. The new features are part of a $550 million information technology upgrade the company has pursued during the past seven years, according to The Wall Street Journal. Targeting younger travelers, the new technology will arrive at Hilton’s 4,200 properties worldwide before the end of summer. Currently, guests in the United States can already use a smartphone or tablet device to check in and check out. According to Hilton CEO Christopher Nassetta:

We are giving customers unprecedented choice and control at scale, and in the palm of their hands.

Hilton owns, manages, and/or franchises a portfolio of brands. These include: Waldorf Astoria Hotels and Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Doubletree (DoubleTree by Hilton), Embassy Suites Hotels, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton Inn and Hampton Inn & Suites, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Home2 Suites by Hilton, and Hilton Grand Vacations. In total, the company controls 650,000 rooms worldwide. In January, Starwood Hotels began implementing a smartphone check-in program at its luxury W Hotels and Aloft hotels. Marriott International offers a similar service at 350 of its flagship Marriott brand hotels worldwide. They hope to add 150 new locations by the end of summer. See also: Restaurant Reservation App OpenTable Acquired By Priceline Group For $2.6 Billion, and Hotwire's iOS App Now Lets You Book Car Rentals In Addition To Hotels.

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