The Best Western Plus Hawthorne Terrace in Chicago is now engaging guests with the Amazon Echo Dot powered by Volara, the voice hub for the hotel industry, and docked in the iHome iAVS1 in every guestroom. The joint solution provides both staff and guest facing voice-based interactions that operate seamlessly alongside existing software in the hotel.
The new device acts as a gateway to all the local happenings in Lakeview East, the vibrant neighborhood where Hawthorne Terrace resides and encourages them to "Live. Play. Stay. Like a local," which is Hawthorne Terrace's overarching purpose.
"Hawthorne Terrace is a neighborhood treasure, with the Amazon Echo, we can assist our guests in finding the amazing live theatre, music, exceptional dining, and robust events that take place in the neighborhood,” said Tony Klok, principal of Rebel Hospitality, which manages the hotel. "Making sure our customers are delighted and engaged during their stay is our top priority. Our goal is to provide our guests an authentic neighborhood experience while more efficiently catering to their specific requests and desires."
The iHome iAVS1 Echo Dot docking station combines the power of Alexa voice with the convenience of charging, a dimmable clock display and higher quality stereo audio.
Use cases have been custom-tailored to the hotel and include, but are not limited to: item and service requests; concierge recommendations; compendium information; personal greetings; guest surveys; custom games; music; room status changes; maintenance requests; pickup requests; and staff training.
At Chicago's Best Western Plus Hawthorne Terrace, guests can ask for external information such as suggested places to dine in the area, by cuisine and daypart. They can also make requests of the hotel like request more towels or inquire about check-out.