Science fiction is becoming a reality at the world’s largest hotel group, with Marriott International installing Amazon Alexa devices in its guestrooms.

Marriott International has joined forces with the tech giant to overhaul the way in which customers’ needs are met.

It is not the only hotelier to be turning to Alexa to revolutionise the way in which it looks after its customers.

Over the summer Amazon has been testing the Alexa for Hospitality devices in a number of hotels, including the Time Hotel in Nyack, New York and the Wynn in Las Vegas.

Amazon has been pitching the technology for the last few months, having demonstrated its use at a conference in Las Vegas late last year.

The Wynn in Las Vegas has been testing the technology

Guests are not obliged to use the Alexa device, which is muted when they arrive at the room.

Having activated the Alexa, they can use it to find out basic information, such as the operating hours of the hotel swimming pool.

It can also be used to control the room temperature, shut the blinds, tune the television, order room service and even create a customised musical playlist.

The device can also provide a vast amount of useful information such as airport information and even, for the fitness conscious, draw up a quick workout.

“Customers tell us they love how easy it is to get information, enjoy entertainment, and control connected devices by simply asking Alexa, and we want to offer those experiences everywhere customers want them,” said Daniel Rausch, Amazon’s vice president.

“Alexa for Hospitality makes your hotel stay a little more like being at home and gives hospitality providers new ways to create memorable stays for their guests.”

According to Mr Rausch, customer feedback has been encouraging with 90 per cent of users describing it as “good” or “excellent” according to surveys.

Not everyone is happy, however. Thousands of Marriott hotel workers are considering strike action in protest at the threat to their jobs.

“You are not going to stop technology,” Donald Taylor, the president of the Unite Here union told the New York Times.

“The question is whether workers will be partners in its deployment or bystanders that get run over by it.”

The technology is also seen as a way of attracting business with 70 per cent of respondents saying they would choose an Alexa-equipped room in future.

Marriott says introducing the devices will make the transition from home to a hotel room more seamless.

“So many of our guests use voice technology in their home, and we want to extend that convenience to their travel experience,” said Jennifer Hsieh, the chain’s Vice President, Customer Experience Innovation.

A number of technology companies have piggy-backed onto the Alexa, giving the device extra functionality such as making it possible to book spa appointments or even by-pass the front desk by checking out remotely.

For hotel operators, there are additional benefits. Getting early notice of check-out means that housekeeping can prepare rooms for guests earlier.

Marriott International has joined forces with the tech giant Credit: getty

The introduction of the Alexa machines is just one of the initiatives being implemented by Marriott.

In July the chain announced it was trialling facial recognition technology at two of its properties in China - Hangzhou Marriott Hotel, Qianjiangand Sanya Marriott Hotel, Dadonghai Bay.

Hotel check-in takes about three minutes, but the wait can be longer at busy times.

Should the facial recognition trials be successful, Marriott says it will roll out the technology across the rest of its empire.