FTcadence

In partnership with Kube Systems, Marriott will be installing wireless charging stations in 29 of its U.S. hotel lobbies.

The stations can charge up to 6 wireless-charging enabled smart phones at once. Guests can also take advantage of the charging stations' Lightning and micro USA cables.

You can currently find the charging stations at:

1. Anaheim Marriott
2. Atlanta Marriott Marquis
3. Baltimore Marriott Waterfront
4. Boston Marriott Cambridge
5. Boston Marriott Copley Place
6. Crystal Gateway Marriott (in Washington, D.C.)
7. Dallas Marriott City Center
8. Denver Airport Marriott
9. Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center
10. Indianapolis Marriott Downtown
11. Irvine (California) Marriott
12. Kansas City Marriott Downtown
13. Key Bridge Marriott (in Washington, D.C.)
14. Los Angeles Airport Marriott Hotel
15. Marina del Rey (California) Marriott
16. Marriott Marquis Washington, D.C.
17. Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
18. Marriott Stanton South Beach
19. Newark Liberty International Airport Marriott
20. New Orleans Downtown Marriott at the Convention Center
21. New York Marriott at the Brooklyn Bridge
22. New York Marriott Downtown
23. New York Marriott East Side
24. New York Marriott Marquis
25. San Antonio Marriott Rivercenter
26. San Francisco Airport Marriott Waterfront

http://www.cntraveler.com/stories/20...ons-to-lobbies

MSPeconomist

How nice that guests can now charge those devices that Marriott hotels are blocking.

dayone

No charging love at Rens.

24left

^^^
Too funny

pinniped

I'm not familiar with the latest technologies: can these things fully charge a dead smartphone in a few minutes?

My only experience with wireless charging was with a Palm mobile phone I had back in the day. It was probably ahead of its time in terms of design and aesthetics, but it was so niche that nobody developed apps for it. Anyway, that wireless charger wasn't any faster than a standard wired charger, thus making a hotel lobby a rather useless place for it.

Cool idea, but these chargers have to be smokin' fast for this to make much sense.

24left

Nothing charges a dead smartphone in a few minutes.

Even if I drain my iPhone down to the 10% or red zone, it will get some juice after a few minutes, but certainly not enough to keep you going.

P.S. The Palm Pilot was ahead of its time unless it became behind the times
In the mobile device universe, things become obsolete in the blink of an eye

24left

Just a little anecdote based on my multiple hotels stays this year (including the LAX Airport Marriott and SFO Waterfront Marriott, Residence Inn SRQ) and others.

At the LAX Marriott, all of the tables in the lobby (bar-type and small round) have plug charging. Even SuperBowl Sunday, we all managed to charge all our devices. I noticed some road warriors travel with their own multi-plug devices, small but very convenient.

I was also at another hotel (not Marriott chain or brands) which was only 4 years-old. It had very cool charging units with electrical and USB outlets built into the tables that pop-up form the table. They are flush with the surface when closed. Looking at the photos I took, they are positioned at about 18 inches apart. Very clever.

Sure wireless is better, but useful, functional plugs with juice are most important of all, IMHO.

dayone

I've seen versions of these tables at several Marriotts with renovated lobbies.

farbster

good idea, makes it easier to have your device stolen.

CPRich

I don't believe I've ever gone down to the lobby to charge my phone in a hotel. And I don't believe I will to use what's basically a standard USB/Lightning connector charger for 99%+ of phones in use.

24left

The people I was sitting with didn't come down to charge their devices. We were all either waiting for our dinner reservations/ drivers/ other people/ flights. Given how some airports are an episode of that Samsung ad with people on the floor clinging to wall sockets (it's really funny), I think some would rather just charge where they can. (I can also tell you that there were some massive U.S. hotels I've stayed at that still have like 3 electrical plugs in the lobby area, with seating for 50. And then there is the wi-fi issue, which is a whole other conversation.

I travel with the devices I need as I suspect you and other FT members do. But the universe is bigger than us.

SkiAdcock

From the press release. This came from their Travel Brilliant program.

"Featuring a sleek, contemporary design, 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. The portable charger seamlessly enhances the new Greatroom lobby that merges modern, stylish design and comfort with greater access to food & beverage and technology. Designed as a social hub, the Greatroom lobby is the perfect space for tech-savvy guests to work, relax and socialize, and now with the addition of portable charging, guests are free to decide how their time is spent – whether charging up while enjoying a beverage or catching up on an uninterrupted work session."

In hotels that are renovating I've seen the tables with outlets in the lobby & even in a restaurant. For example, the LAS Marriott has a communal table in the lobby section with outlets built into the table, as well as a communal table in the restaurant with the outlets built in.

As 24left notes, I don't think people come down to the lobby from their rooms to charge devices, but if they are in the lobby or bars or restaurants & meeting or eating/drinking with others or have come in from elsewhere for such things having ability to charge, whether wifi or outlet, is handy.

Cheers.

24left

Interesting anecdote:
In addition to enhanced charging options in the Marriott lobbies, I had a conversation at the SFO Waterfront Marriott about the issue of high fees for room wifi when "lesser" brands (eg Residence Inns have wifi in the rooms).

When guests who won't pay for the in-room wifi come down to the lobby to use it there, they are also meeting others with whom they can potentially network for business purposes. This happened to me twice - once while having a coffee and using the wifi, another time while charging before a flight.

You never know.

MSPeconomist

These are common in conference and meeting rooms, including those not located in hotels.

24left

Yes, I've seen those. The difference is, people in conference rooms generally don't have that panicked look on their faces "my battery is dead, where' a plug?"

Still, Marriott is moving forward and it's great.

BTW, here is the Samsung ad with all those desperate-to-charge-device- socket-huggers. Still funny

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mzMUTrTYD9s