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I ordered 'VRoom Service' in a Marriott hotel
Virtual reality is a strange activity to offer in a hotel. If you're halfway around the world for a vacation or a business trip, you're usually there to go outside for one reason or another. Sightseeing, attending meetings, that sort of thing, not slapping a headset on and losing yourself elsewhere. But then, Marriott isn't like most hotels -- many of its branches in the UK are in the business of selling luxury, no expense spared accommodation. Here, guests want a special stay, and like an expensive cruise, that means increasingly elaborate activities and facilities. If it's done correctly, VR experiences could be a glamorous and unique add-on, just like ordering a back rub or late-night room service. Or at least, that's the thought process behind Marriott's new "VRoom Service."
Netflix is coming to a Marriott near you
After being scolded by the FCC over its plans to block guests' personal WiFi connections back in January, Marriott hotels has announced that it is partnering with Netflix to deliver the streaming service as an in-room amenity. According to a Marriott press release, guests staying at select hotels will now be able to log in to their existing Netflix accounts directly through their rooms' televisions. The service is currently available in six locations -- New York on the East Side, San Jose, Princeton, Newport, Dallas/Fort Worth and Bethesda -- with a half dozen more locations (including San Francisco, Atlanta and DC) coming online later this summer. Marriott hopes to expand the service to over 100 locations by the end of the year and deliver it to more than 300 locations by the end of 2016.
Marriott hotels will soon offer wireless charging in lobbies
If you find yourself staying in a Marriott hotel later this month, you may encounter wireless charging in the lobby. The lodging outfit is set to install Qi-equipped tech from Kube Systems in the greatroom lobbies of 29 locations in October. Stations can power up to six devices at the same time while replenishing that smartphone and tablet duo without a tether. Support for iOS, Android and Windows is included, so you'll be able to leave those cords in the room when heading down for a drink at the bar. Of course, Marriott has 500 hotels around the world, so this seems to be a limited trial before widespread deployment or significant investment.
