LG Electronics partners with Marriott to build next-generation smart hotels

LG Electronics is moving beyond hotel televisions through a new strategic partnership with Marriott International aimed at building next-generation smart hotels.

The companies signed a memorandum of understanding at Marriott’s headquarters in Bethesda, Maryland. LG North America executive vice president Kwak Do-young and Marriott chief technology and chief commercial officer Drew Pinto attended the signing on Aug. 25 local time.

Marriott has been upgrading its hotel TV platform so guests can receive personalized content and services in their rooms. Under the agreement, LG will help develop the platform and provide device management and operational technology support.

LG said the partnership will expand its hotel business into digital infrastructure covering room entertainment, device management and smart services, rather than limiting it to supplying hotel TVs.

The companies plan to apply the new platform first at 40 hotels in the United States and Canada, then gradually extend it across Marriott’s global hotel brands.