Free Smartphone for guest use during stay - Japan.
Apr 5, 2018, 5:27 pm
#1
Moderator, Virgin Atlantic
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: www.V-Flyer.com
Programs: VS Red, Bonvoy Lifetime Titanium - earned out of our own pocket!.
Posts: 2,392
Free Smartphone for guest use during stay - Japan.
I did a search and can't find any mention of this perk, and wondered if it is unique to the Osaka Marriott Miyako Hotel.
We are currently enjoying a five night stay on the 54th floor of this fabulous hotel.
By the bed is an android smartphone, with a notice "Take me out. I am your free travel buddy".
The phone is loaded with several apps including Google Maps, it also allows guests to make free unlimited Local and International phone calls, as well as internet access.
You enter your check out date when setting it up and any personal data is wiped when you leave.
I have to say it is a brilliant idea, we already have iPhones, but are always fearful of roaming charges whilst abroad.
Has anyone else seen this service in other Marriott hotels ?
Nick
We are currently enjoying a five night stay on the 54th floor of this fabulous hotel.
By the bed is an android smartphone, with a notice "Take me out. I am your free travel buddy".
The phone is loaded with several apps including Google Maps, it also allows guests to make free unlimited Local and International phone calls, as well as internet access.
You enter your check out date when setting it up and any personal data is wiped when you leave.
I have to say it is a brilliant idea, we already have iPhones, but are always fearful of roaming charges whilst abroad.
Has anyone else seen this service in other Marriott hotels ?
Nick
Apr 5, 2018, 5:30 pm
#2
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Shanghai
Programs: BAEC (Gold), PC (Plat), HH (Gold), MR (Gold)
Posts: 2,729
Not uncommon in at least some parts of Asia. Stayed recently at IC Singapore and they had them too there, and seen them advertised at other Singapore hotels.
Apr 5, 2018, 5:59 pm
#3
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Sweden
Programs: Marriott Platinum - LT Gold
Posts: 688
Marriott Nagoya have phones as well docked in their rooms.
Apr 5, 2018, 6:04 pm
#4
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: BOS/EAP
Programs: UA 1K, MR LTT, HH Dia, Amex Plat
Posts: 32,048
Apr 5, 2018, 6:57 pm
#5
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: SFO/SMF
Programs: Holder of six "persona non-grata" awards
Posts: 1,914
Well spank my butt! This is news to me, brilliant idea though, hope it catches on in other countries too...probably never see that happening in the USA...unless you don't mind the Homeland Security folks eves dropping 
Apr 5, 2018, 8:32 pm
#6
Join Date: Nov 2006
Programs: AA PPro, UA Silver, MR Plat, HH Gold, Amtrak Select, Avis Preferred Plus
Posts: 65
Taipei Courtyard also has this. It was handy.
Apr 5, 2018, 9:25 pm
#7
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Washington, DC, USA
Programs: UA MM, MB LifeTit
Posts: 1,830
The Sheraton Grand Park Lane in London has what I think are the same phones. Very handy indeed!
Apr 5, 2018, 9:33 pm
#8
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Rancho Mirage, CA
Programs: Marriott Lifetime Titanium
Posts: 322
This is new since we stayed there. Very cool.
Apr 6, 2018, 3:10 am
#9
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: IND, ORD
Programs: AA Platinum, IHG Platinum, Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 134
I used it quite a bit at IC Singapore. It is a great idea.
Apr 6, 2018, 3:34 am
#10
Join Date: Jun 2017
Posts: 85
yes these are good, if you don't want to use the handset itself go into the settings and set up the wifi hotspot for free roaming data and use your own handset with abandon. They might have blocked this off in some implementations but was available in the last couple of times I saw this (IBIS Tokyo was one cannot recall the other).
Apr 6, 2018, 5:24 am
#11
Join Date: Apr 2009
Posts: 298
I have used those in Singapore and Hong Kong. Very handy indeed. Wish this would be available at more hotels.
Apr 7, 2018, 3:25 am
#12
Join Date: May 2012
Location: SIN
Programs: JL GC | Marriott LT Silver | Global Entry | SQ Silver
Posts: 6,819
yes these are good, if you don't want to use the handset itself go into the settings and set up the wifi hotspot for free roaming data and use your own handset with abandon. They might have blocked this off in some implementations but was available in the last couple of times I saw this (IBIS Tokyo was one cannot recall the other).
Apr 8, 2018, 4:38 pm
#13
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Fort Lauderdale, FL
Posts: 3,360
It appears that this company provides the devices for $1 UDS per day per room, with a 24 month commitment. More information can be found at their website:
https://www.handy.travel/en
https://www.handy.travel/en
Apr 8, 2018, 5:22 pm
#14
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Tokyo
Programs: JAL Metal Card (OWE), SAS Eurobonus Gold (*G), Marriott Titanium (LTP), Tokyu Hotels Platinum
Posts: 21,163
I have since switched to a dual SIM phone, and just buy a local SIM card for data when I arrive. That works even better in most countries in the world. The US and Norway so far being the notable exceptions.
