Mobile technologies such as mobile keys, contactless check-in, hotel apps and others are taking over the hotel industry as part of their digital transformation processes. The reasons for this are countless: from improving staff efficiency and guest experience to reducing costs and gaining valuable data.
One of the biggest trends in the hotel industry is mobile key technology (also called digital key technology). With the increase of interest from leisure and business travelers and, consequently, hotels, the number of providers is becoming larger, thus making keyless entry systems accessible and affordable for businesses of any size.
More and more guest houses, small hostels and large hotel chains choose mobile key systems, but for which reasons? What are mobile keys in hotels, why are they taking over, and what are their top advantages?
What are mobile room keys for hotels?
Mobile keys for hotels are what they sound like – keys for hotel rooms accessible from a mobile phone. They use either Bluetooth or NFC (near field communication) technologies and work best if integrated with the hotel’s PMS (property management system).
In the case of NFC or cloud access systems, after a booking is completed, the guest receives a confirmation email or an SMS with a link to a web app where they can easily access their mobile room keys.
With Bluetooth technology, guests need to download mobile key apps, which might be inconvenient for some because of the device’s storage capacity, for example.
A device is placed on or near the guest room door where the hotel guest can scan their key through their mobile apps. When they put their smartphones near the door device, the door unlocks immediately (with NFC) or within 2-3 seconds (Bluetooth), and the person gains access to the room.
Why are mobile key solutions taking over the hotel industry?
Mobile technology is one of the most rapidly growing digital trends in the hotel industry for a few reasons. First, it’s becoming more accessible and affordable even for smaller brands and independent businesses due to the growing interest. A mobile key system works perfectly fine with most PMS systems, and the most significant investment comes with replacing old door locks.
Mobile keys are safe, secure and reliable technology to access guest room doors and shared amenities. They are a more sustainable solution than plastic keycards and traditional keys and help environment preservation.
The digital solution has the potential to save on expenses in the long term. But let’s dive deeper into the three top advantages of using mobile keys at hotels.
Efficient and personalized check-in and arrival
If mobile keys are successfully integrated with the mobile check-in and the hotel’s PMS, they lead to a smooth and highly personalized check-in process and the arrival of the guests.
Prearrival actions such as booking and check-in are the first impression and first contact that a customer experiences with the business. It’s essential to make this first contact more personalized and efficient for guests.
Efficiency
Providing hotel guests with the opportunity to check in online and directly receive their mobile room key allows them to skip front desk lines and immediately begin enjoying their hotel stay. It’s an efficient process that improves guest satisfaction scores.
Access management is easier and more efficient, and hoteliers can effortlessly verify identities and credentials, reduce manual administration and activate or deactivate phones’ IDs.
Personalization
The self-check-in process provides a huge opportunity to personalize the guest experience even before arriving at the hotel. Hotels have various options, such as including room upgrades depending on guest preferences, AI and ML generated trip and activity suggestions or offering luxurious amenities and SPA procedures.
Once guests arrive at the hotel, they can enjoy a more personalized in-person contact with hotel staff since employees can focus on interacting with the clients rather than administrative tasks.
Improved security and safety
Mobile keys access technology is one of the most secure entry systems available and offers improved health safety for hotel guests and staff.
Secure access
Mobile keys offer several layers of security and encryption, making them one of the safest entry systems today. Previous trends such as hotel keycards posed the risk of the object getting lost, misplaced or stolen, thus increasing the chance of unauthorized access. Mobile keys minimize this risk with their encryption and biometric recognition technologies.
With mobile key technology, room keys are always at the fingertips of the authorized guest and accessible through their smartphone. In case of mobile device loss or theft, a hotel staff member can immediately deactivate the mobile key.
Even if the deactivation doesn’t occur immediately, the chance of unauthorized access is almost impossible since the person will first have to use a fingerprint ID, password or passcode for the device itself and then for the mobile key app.
Health safety
With recent world events and the pandemic outbreak, businesses in the hospitality industry started realizing how vital it is to have a health safety plan in place. Making guests, clients, and staff members feel safe is essential for a successful business.
Mobile keys help reduce in-person contact and item, germ and bacteria transfers. They are an easy way to keep appropriate social distancing space.
A sustainable and cost-effective solution
As opposed to magstripe keycards, mobile keys are a more sustainable alternative and a cost-effective solution in the long term. A mobile key will not wear out, break or get lost, and it won’t need replacement.
Sustainability
Digital technologies provide sustainable room access and door opening solution. They eliminate the need for physical plastic objects that need to be replaced and thrown away when broken or dysfunctional. Consequently, they reduce unnecessary plastic waste and preserve the environment. Mobile keys are a sustainable and long-term solution for hotels.
Cost-effectiveness
Mobile key access can sometimes be a significant investment. However, it saves numerous and delivers a positive return on investment in the long term. With digital keys, hotels don’t need additional budgeting for replacing, programing or printing.
FAQs
What is a mobile key in a hotel?
A mobile key for a hotel is a digital technology that allows hotel guests to unlock their room doors and access different amenities by scanning their smartphones to a specific device. The digital room key is sent to the guest’s phone via a link or can be accessed through the hotel’s mobile app.
Why is mobile key taking over in hotels?
Mobile keys are taking over hotels with the growing functionality of mobile phones. They are becoming a more affordable and accessible solution for businesses of all sizes and have numerous advantages over physical keys and magnetic keycards.
What are the three top advantages of using mobile keys at hotels?
The three top advantages of mobile keys for hotels are efficiency and personalization, security and safety, sustainability and cost-effectiveness.