BETHESDA, MD—Marriott Hotels, the flagship brand of Marriott International, Inc., has introduced Kube Systems’ portable charging stations using Qi technology–the global standard in wireless charging–in the Greatroom lobbies of 29 of its hotels this month.
The idea was sparked by real travelers’ submissions on TravelBrilliantly.com – Marriott Hotels’ platform for engaging guests and consumers in co-creation – for more convenient ways to charge power hungry devices, such as iPhones, Android devices and iPads. The brand listened and collaborated with Kube Systems to bring this innovative idea to life.
“Marriott Hotels is on a journey with our guests to create and rollout traveler-inspired innovations, such as portable charging stations, because you cannot travel brilliantly when you are running on empty,” said Michael Dail, VP, Marriott Hotels Marketing. “Through our collaboration with Kube Systems, we’re providing an industry-leading solution to a common traveler worry, and now we’re bringing it to Marriott Hotels across the country.”
According to a Marriott Hotels survey, the average U.S. business traveler carries two to three mobile devices with them on the road. As this number continues to rise, Marriott Hotels is taking it into consideration in every aspect of the guest experience, including an expanded number of more accessible power outlets in guestrooms.
“Leisure and business travelers have struggled for power on the road as battery technology has not kept pace with the demands of larger screens, faster processors and more app-driven devices,” said Dave Weinstein, VP of Kube Systems. “A two-year development effort in collaboration with Marriott technologists has resulted in the KS Portable: a truly unique solution to charge virtually every mobile device on the market today, without the need for guests to carry cables or adaptors.”
The portable chargers’ built-in connecters can simultaneously power up to six devices, covering all Apple, Android and Windows Mobile Devices. Qi wireless charging technology allows compatible smartphones to charge simply by resting on the KS Portable Qi transmitter, removing the need for cables and cutting the final cord that tethers devices – the power cord.