Hilton on Thursday announced it plans for a “Connected Room” initiative that will allow hotel guests to use their smartphones to manage and control a range of internet-connected devices via the Hilton Honors app.
Guests will be able to control most functions of the room, including the TV, via the Hilton Honors mobile app.
They will also be able to stream their preferred media from various accounts on that TV.
In the future, travelers will be able to use voice commands to control aspects of their room and stream content. They will also be able to upload their artwork and photos to be displayed in their room and notify the hotel of their preferences before they even arrive at the hotel.
“We are … setting a new standard for the industry by giving our guests a travel experience where the room knows them and they know the room,” said the hotel chain’s CEO Christopher Nassetta.
The new system is already being tested at one Hilton property. Guests will be able to control thermostat settings, lighting, television sets, and window coverings from the Hilton Honors app. The app will also allow guests to connect to streaming media accounts on their room’s television.
The hotel chain plans to continue rolling out new features for the system, such as voice control, the ability to upload images for display on their in-room TV. Guest will also be able to set individual preferences for their connected Hilton Honors profile.
The new platform builds on an existing platform in Hilton’s properties, which currently allows guests to check in, select their own room, and open the room’s door with a “digital key.”
