The much-anticipated Apple Watch made its debut last week, with some 3,000 apps available for the tech giant’s newest device available on its App Store, one of which was the handy app for Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG), the loyalty program for Starwood Hotels & Resorts.

With the brand new SPG App for Apple Watch, guests at STarwood Hotels & Resorts properties around the world can now open hotel room doors with just a flick of the wrist.

Marrying high-tech and high-touch, the SPG App for Apple Watch is designed to anticipate and respond to the in-the-moment needs of guests from mobile check in, to opening  guest room door, to providing information like the hotel address, room number, confirmation number, and directions and SPG account information with just a glance at the wrist.

“We’re committed to mobile and digital innovation and are excited to be the first hotel company to let guests check in and open their hotel room door with their Apple Watch,” said Starwood’s senior vice president of distribution, loyalty and partnership Mark Vondrasek. “In today’s mobile world, people increasingly expect their technology to help them do whatever they need on the spot. Apple Watch allows us to engage with our guests and give them the information they need instantaneously in a simple yet extremely stylish way. ”

With the Apple Watch, a tap of the finger gives instant access to in-the-moment features including:

• Navigate like a Native: Leveraging state-aware technology, guests receive the hotel address and directions in both the default and the local language upon arrival in their destination city. Throughout a guest’s stay, the app shares transportation options, including estimated costs.
• Hassle-free Check-in: Reservation details and confirmation number are front and centre, ensuring a smooth check-in.
• Unlock Your Stay: After registering for SPG Keyless, the Apple Watch will automatically send guests their room number and will function as their hotel room key at any SPG Keyless enabled Starwood hotel allowing guests to bypass the front desk.
• See into the Future: The app will display the hotel name, photo, and stay dates for up to four upcoming Starwood stays.
• Track Your Status: Members can access their SPG account information, receive alerts about newly posted Starpoints, and get congratulated when they graduate to elevated statuses
• You’re Speaking My Language: Currently available in English, the SPG App for Apple Watch will feature Chinese, Japanese, and Spanish languages.

In November, Starwood redefined the age-old way guests arrive and check into their rooms with the introduction of SPG Keyless, the hospitality industry’s first mobile, keyless entry system allowing guests to use their smartphone as a key. Starwood partnered with ASSA ABLOY, the global leader in door opening solutions, to create an all-new, Bluetooth-enabled lock and keyless software, which are designed to securely recognise and connect with a guest’s mobile device, and now Apple Watch.

“We know guests expect service and convenience in the plan of their hand and now it’s available at the flick of the wrist,” added Vondrasek. “Member response to SPG Keyless has been terrific and grows every day as we continue to roll out this functionality around the globe.”

More than 130,000 SPG members in 130 countries have registered for SPG Keyless. Currently available in more than 100 Aloft, Element and W hotels, SPG Keyless is rapidly rolling out and will soon be available on 30,000 doors in 150 Aloft, Element and W hotels around the globe. www.spg.com