Marriott International has revamped its smartphone app, enabling
Marriott Rewards members to request room upgrades and late checkout, and to use their
phones to check in and for keyless room entry.
The company said 500 hotels are slated to get keyless room
entry this year.
The upgraded app also lets guests text requests directly to
hotel staff. Additionally, the app has improved mapping capabilities while
providing content from the Marriott Traveler digital magazine.
The app is available on Apple's iOS platform in five
languages -- English, Chinese, Spanish, French and German -- and will be
available on the Android platform starting next year.
Marriott acquired Starwood Hotels & Resorts last
September. Between Marriott Rewards and Starwood Preferred Guest, the hotel company
has more than 85 million loyalty members.