Marriott Hotels Keep You Healthy On The Road

Have you ever been forced to resort to the vending machine to satiate late-night cravings only to still be hungry after eating empty-calories? Marriott switched out the cookies and chips in the vending machine for fresh snacks and meals to quell hunger.

Marriott Hotels, the flagship brand of Marriott International, is helping guests stay fit on the road with the addition of a healthy vending machine, featuring fresh hand-crafted salads, sandwiches and snacks made with local ingredients. The healthy vending machine prototype is currently located in the lobby of the Chicago Marriott O’Hare and is available to guests all day and all night.

The health-focused invention is Marriott’s first traveler-inspired innovation, thought of by Anjana Kallarackal, a 21-year-old college student who participated in the company’s Travel Brilliantly campaign. Marriott Hotels partnered with Chicago start-up Farmer’s Fridge to bring the idea to life. Fresh items for sale range in price from $3–12 and include:

• The Detox Salad (also known as the Junk Food Eraser), featuring organic kale and quinoa with fennel, fruits and beans dressed in white balsamic vinaigrette
• Greek Yogurt and Berries (also known as Breakfast of the Gods), including low-fat Greek yogurt with berries and locally sourced honey
• Lemon Pepper Chicken, featuring chicken breast from chickens humanely raised without antibiotics, lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, salt and pepper

The healthy vending machine is just one of 2,500 ideas the brand has received since launching its Travel Brilliantly campaign last year to improve the hotel experience. The brand asks for ideas on how it can support guests as they try to stay balanced and healthy while traveling.