The Westin Buffalo Becomes First-Ever Hotel to Use Volara’s Voice-Controlled Technology to Integrate iHeartRadio into Its Guest Rooms
Buffalo, NY – October 17, 2017 – Volara, the leading provider of custom voice-based solutions in the hospitality industry, and iHeartMedia, the leading audio company with the largest reach of any radio or television outlet in America, announced today that Volara-equipped hotels now offer guests voice-controlled access to iHeartRadio, the free all-in-one digital music, podcasting and live streaming radio service. The Westin Buffalo, a luxury lifestyle hotel operated by global hospitality and food service provider Delaware North and located within the company's headquarters in Buffalo, N.Y., is the first hotel to implement Volara’s voice-control function for iHeartRadio.
Using Volara’s voice-based technology, which turns the Amazon Echo into an innovative hotel hospitality tool, iHeartMedia will now offer hotels the opportunity to create original iHeartRadio audio content, including podcasts, playlists, local personality endorsements and more, all voice-controlled and customizable for each hotel's individual brand. The first hotel to implement Volara's voice-controlled iHeartRadio integration is The Westin Buffalo, where guests can now say, “Alexa, Ask Westin to play the radio,” and Volara will immediately launch Westin Radio by iHeartRadio, a live station with a mix of songs that align with the hotel's brand. In addition, guests of Volara-enabled hotels can use their room's Amazon Echo devices to request services, get recommendations, and generally engage with hotel staff and services without the hassle of picking up a telephone.
“Volara is thrilled to be partnering with iHeartMedia to bring voice-controlled music to hotel guest rooms,” said David Berger, CEO of Volara. “Now hotel guests can not only access the staff and services of the hotel through the Amazon Echo, but they can also enjoy iHeartRadio's world class music, podcasts, and radio personalities. We believe this new joint solution is going to transform hotel guest experiences and become the next must-have feature in every hotel room.”
“The Westin Buffalo and Delaware North recognize the importance of providing innovative and memorable service to our guests,” said Tom Long, General Manager of The Westin Buffalo. “We were one of the first hotels in the country to implement the Relay robot butler and Volara-powered Amazon Echo devices, and we’re proud to be leading the way in offering guests this iHeartRadio experience.”
“It's our goal to provide a seamless, easy-to-use experience everywhere iHeartRadio’s millions of listeners want to enjoy their favorite music – and now with Volara, we've made it even easier for hotel guests to quickly play iHeartRadio using simple voice commands,” said Michele Laven, President of Strategic Partnerships Group for iHeartMedia. “We’re thrilled to launch our first ever voice-activated hospitality integration at The Westin Buffalo, and soon traveling music fans at hotels across the country will be able to kick back, relax and simply ask to hear a customized iHeartRadio experience.”
iHeartRadio offers users thousands of Live Radio stations from across the country, personalized custom Artist Radio stations, and the top Podcasts and on-air personalities available everywhere listeners are. Plus, iHeartRadio features easy-to-use on demand functionality that makes radio truly interactive and connects listeners directly to their music collections. iHeartRadio is available across 100+ device platforms including in-car, in-home, on wearables, across gaming consoles and more – making their favorite audio content available everywhere they are, on the devices they use most.
About Volara
Volara is the provider of custom voice-based solutions to the hospitality industry. Named a TechOvation semi-finalist by Hotel Technology Next Generation (HTNG) and an Alexa Enterprise Agency by Amazon – the only such agency focused exclusively on the hospitality industry – Volara's proprietary software creates a hotel business tool atop the leading hardware and natural language processing platforms. Volara’s proven best practices ensure high utilization rates and an optimal guest experience – ensuring hotel guests' engagement is personal and remarkable. Volara enables hotels to serve guests more efficiently and subtly influence their behavior while leaving them with a warm feeling toward the brand. For more information, please visit www.volara.io.
About The Westin Buffalo
Ideally located in the heart of downtown Buffalo, the AAA Four Diamond-rated Westin Buffalo is just steps from the city’s unique architecture, prominent historical sites, and myriad arts and entertainment options. The 116-room lifestyle hotel offers luxurious guest rooms all fully equipped with Westin's signature Heavenly in-room amenities, as well as a state-of-the-art fitness center, complimentary Wi-Fi and two signature on-site restaurants. The property, which also features 7,300 square feet of versatile event space, is a member of the Starwood Hotels & Resorts family and is operated by Delaware North, a global leader in hospitality. For more information, visit www.westinbuffalo.com or follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.