Starwood launching Emoji room service in the UK
Using Aloft TiGi – or Text it. Get it. – guests can order a selection of food, toiletries and phone chargers by texting their room number and the corresponding emoji combination to staff.
Options include The Hangover – bottled water, a bacon roll and a banana – and The Munchies – which brings Coca-Cola, crisps, chocolate and a brownie to a guest’s room.
Forgetful travellers can also order toothbrushes, razors and deoderant as well as London guide books.
The service will make its European debut at the Aloft London Excel and Aloft Liverpool hotels on 21 December after launching in New York earlier this year.
The Starwood-owned group is set to go Emoji-mad in the New Year, with Aloft Liverpool launching a three day ‘Emoji-fest’ featuring an art exhibit and Emoji Afternoon Tea, while Aloft London will be serving a range of limited edition Emoji-inspired cocktails until 20 February.
The image-only menu is the latest tech experiment from the chain, which in 2014 hired a robot butler - Botlr - to work front and back-of-house at hotels across the United States.
Aloft confirmed it is currently testing mobile controlled lighting and wake up preferences, as well as virtual reality experiences in its rooms.
