The hotel business is an ever-evolving industry. That’s why as a hotelier, it’s crucial to always be striving for a better guest experience. Keep ahead of the game by adopting the newest technological developments. Keyless entry has already replaced traditional keys and plastic key cards in many hotels around the world.

Checking in without the need for apps and with smart digital locks have become the new norm, and completely changed the way guests gain access to their rooms.

Keyless entry hotel systems are rapidly gaining popularity, and have even become an important feature for modern hotels. Thanks to this innovation, guests can easily access their rooms with just their mobile devices, making the hassle and potential loss of physical keys a thing of the past. The shift towards keyless entry not only saves time, but also significantly improves the overall guest experience.

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The benefits of keyless entry for hotels

Keyless entry systems for hotels bring countless opportunities that every hotel can benefit from. These systems reduce the operational processes and costs for hoteliers, and increase security. Hotel guests can enjoy an efficient check-in process, and trust that their mobile keys are unique to them.

By connecting smart hotel locks to a web application, the guest's credentials are activated and they can access their room. Once it’s time to check-in, the entry details are activated, and the guest can enter their room. It’s possible to connect multiple PMS-systems, making it easy to upsell and cross-sell before and during the guest’s stay.

Meet modern guest expectations

In today’s hotel industry, where the lines between traditional hotels and short-term rentals are blurring, modern guests have increasingly higher expectations. They look for flexibility and personalisation during their stay, without the long lines at check-in. Keyless entry via online check-in platforms meets these expectations by giving guests access to information, services, and local recommendations even before their arrival.

By engaging guests before their stay, hotels can make digital guides with information relevant to the property, like parking details, Wi-Fi passwords, and links to nearby services. This proactive approach doesn’t just meet the guests’ expectations, but also gives them peace of mind while preparing for their stay.

Improving security and loyalty

Keyless entry systems for hotels provide a huge security benefit. Guests no longer have to worry about losing their physical key cards, as their mobile keys are safe and unique to them. This extra level of protection helps guests feel at ease, knowing access to their rooms is exclusive to them. In our modern hotel landscape, security and peace of mind can be deciding factors for guests when choosing where to book their stay. Providing these for them increases a sense of loyalty, leading to returning guests.

Keyless entry is sustainable

While it isn’t talked about nearly enough, keyless entry systems contribute to a more responsible and sustainable business practice. By replacing plastic key cards with a digital key, hotels reduce both material cost and plastic waste. Additionally, the switch from physical keys to digital ones leads to a decrease in energy usage and waste, as these cards are no longer being produced.


What will the future of Keyless Entry look like?

Hotels are currently future-proofing their practices by embracing keyless entry. More and more large hotel chains, as well as independent boutique hotels, are starting to make use of this technology as they continue to meet the everchanging needs of their guests. It is no longer a luxury feature, but part of the standard services.

Some guests, mainly those from older generations, may be apprehensive of this new technology. Hoteliers must therefore ensure that their keyless entry systems are user-friendly, and that alternative entry options are available to those who prefer the traditional methods.

The switch to keyless entry may require an initial investment, but the long-term benefits for guest satisfaction, operational efficiency, and sustainability make it an invaluable choice for hotels wanting to excel in the dynamic world of hospitality. 
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Eva Lacalle

Eva has over a decade of international experience in marketing, communication, events and digital marketing. When she's not at work, she's probably surfing, dancing, or exploring the world.