STAMFORD, CT—Members of Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG), the loyalty program from Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., have instant access to the #spglife thanks to the SPG App for Apple Watch.
The SPG app for Apple Watch is designed to anticipate and respond to the in-the-moment needs of guests from mobile check-in and opening their guestroom door, to providing information like the hotel address, room number, confirmation number, and directions and SPG account information with just a glance of the wrist, according to the company.
“We’re committed to mobile and digital innovation and are excited to be the first hotel company to let guests check in and open their hotel room door with their Apple Watch,” said Mark Vondrasek, SVP, distribution, loyalty and partnership marketing for Starwood Hotels & Resorts. “In today’s mobile world, people increasingly expect their technology to help them do whatever they need on the spot. Apple Watch allows us to engage with our guests and give them the information they need instantaneously in a simple yet extremely stylish way.”
While using the app, guests can receive the hotel address and directions in both the default and the local language upon arrival in their destination city. Throughout their stay, the app shares transportation options including estimated costs. Reservation details and confirmation number are front and center, ensuring a smooth check-in.
After registering for SPG Keyless, the Apple Watch will automatically send guests their room number and will function as their hotel room key at any SPG Keyless-enabled Starwood hotel allowing guests to bypass the front desk (where available).
The app will also display the hotel name, photo and stay dates for up to four upcoming Starwood stays, and members can access their SPG account information, receive alerts about newly posted Starpoints and get congratulated when they graduate to elevated statuses.
In November, Starwood introduced SPG Keyless, a keyless entry system allowing guests to use their smartphone as a key. Starwood partnered with Assa Abloy to create an all-new, Bluetooth-enabled lock and keyless software, which are designed to securely recognize and connect with a guest’s mobile device and now Apple Watch.
“We know guests expect service and convenience in the palm of their hand, and now it’s available at the flick of the wrist,” added Vondrasek. “Member response to SPG Keyless has been terrific and grows every day as we continue to roll out this functionality around the globe.”
More than 130,000 SPG members in 130 countries have registered for SPG Keyless. Currently available in more than 100 Aloft, Element and W hotels, SPG Keyless is rapidly rolling out and will soon be available on 30,000 doors in 150 Aloft, Element and W hotels around the globe.