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Marriott Testing Smartphone Check-In

On the heels of their controversial smoking ban, Marriott Hotels continue to forge ahead in the tech world.

The hotel chain already allows you to check-in for your flight from kiosks in their lobby and now they have announced that testing has begun on wireless check-in with Microsoft's Windows Mobile®-powered devices at the Redmond Marriott Town Center in Washington.

In a collaborative effort with Intel Solution Services and Microsoft Marriott is working toward implementing a mobile wireless check-in process that is convenient and easy for guests to use. During testing, guests with Microsoft Windows Mobile-powered Smartphones-running the PocketPC Platform-can simply download and install Marriott's seamless mobility software from Arrive.Marriott.com. Using the Internet, they can then connect securely to the Redmond Marriott Town Center hotel's property management system and check in to their room while in transit to the hotel.

So essentially, if you have the right type of smartphone and download the Marriott hotel's software, you can check-in from your phone. You will also be able to change room types, reconfirm room rates and pick up a key from the automated key dispenser which will be made available in the lobby.

But don't get too excited yet. Marriott still has to finish testing this plan out, which may take to the end of the year, and then they will revisit a timeframe for rolling out this service.

So gadget freaks, what do you prefer--a hotel that lets you smoke or one that lets you check-in from your smartphone?

Related Stories:
· Marriott's Smoking Ban coverage [HotelChatter]
· Marriott Gets Airline Check-In Stations [HotelChatter]