Could Hotel Room Keys Be a Thing of the Past?

I was recently reading up on some travel news and came across a very interesting article.  The article discussed mobile check-in at hotels.  Up until I read this article, I had no idea that mobile check-in at hotels even existed! Having mobile check-in at hotels could take the hassle out of waiting at the desk in a hotel lobby or worrying about losing your hotel rooms keys while you are out and about.

Starwood Hotels and Resorts became the first hotel chain to offer this type of service to their guests.  Hotels in the Starwood chain include Westin and W Hotels.  Mobile check-in is not available at all of Starwood properties quite yet but they are hoping to add this handy feature to more of their hotels by next year.

You're probably wondering how exactly this so called mobile check-in feature works.  In order for a guest to use mobile check in, they must first install the hotel's app.  Starwood Hotels and Resorts currently has an app where guests can book rooms and view information about promotions the chain is offering.  The mobile check-in feature allows users to check-in to their hotel room using Starwood's app.  In addition to checking in, guests also have the ability to use the app to open the door to their hotel room.  The door of the hotel room is unlocked using Bluetooth that is connected to the lock.  In order for a guest's room door to unlock their mobile device must be touching a pad on the room door. Only one phone can be connected to the keyless entry system for security reasons.


Other hotels are now working on upgrading their locks to allow for keyless entry.  Many hotel chains are not yet offering this feature because upgrading the locks can be very expensive.  Although mobile check-in may be more convenient for some guests, the traditional way to check-in is still being offered.

Would you be willing to use mobile check-in on your next trip or would you prefer to keep things the way they are? Share your thoughts with me in the comments!

Interested in learning more? Visit https://www.spgpromos.com/keyless/