From apps on smart devices to keycards, keyless entry for hotels is the new standard in the industry. But is it worth the investment?
Hotel guests are becoming increasingly acquainted with the idea of keyless entry for their hotel rooms when they check-in. How do you know if it’s the right move for your hotel? Here are the pros and cons of going keyless and what you need to know before taking the plunge.
Investing in a new hotel room entry system is no small decision and not something that happens every couple of years. As you weigh your options, you may wonder if it’s right for your hotel to change and upgrade to a keyless entry system.
Many hotels have made this shift and are seeing tremendous success with it. Before you decide to take the next step, it’s important to weigh some of the pros and cons of making the change to keyless entry for hotel rooms.
Why Choose Keyless Entry for Hotels?
First and foremost, keyless entry eliminates the need for keys. Obviously. It’s right there in the name. But by taking the keys out of the equation in your hotel, you reduce the need for copies, spares, and endless lock changes on doors.
While many hotels have transitioned from physical keys to key cards, many potential issues (and costs) arise with offering hotel guests a physical item to open their room door. The cost of producing plastic magstripe cards each year can be in the thousands, not to mention having the staff on hand to program and issue these cards to the hotel guests.
What to Know About Keyless Hotel Room Entry
As with any overhaul in your hotel, there will be some bumps and hiccups along the way. It’s important to recognize a short-term start-up inconvenience vs. a longer-term problem with your new system.
There are some important things to consider regarding keyless entry options for your hotel.
The Pros of Keyless Hotels
- Keyless entry can simplify your hotel operations. The shift to keyless entry allows you to reduce staff costs, scheduling fewer front desk staff available to issue cards to guests at any hour. Simple, agile, and easy-to-install check-in automation means your staff will be able to focus on other operations. It also reduces your material costs and the amount of plastic waste produced by your hotel.
- It is a user-friendly option for your guests. Gone are the days of guests inadvertently deactivating a key card by placing it next to a magnetized card in their wallet. By using a keycode or an app for keyless entry, guests don’t have to worry about keeping track of one more item to access their room.
- Provides an added layer of security for your guests. Keyless entry technology adds an extra layer of security for your guests. There is no card to drop or lose—you’re your guests can rest in the comfort of knowing access to their room is only available to them. This added level of security could also be what ensures your guests stay with you and not an Airbnb.
- Enhances the guest’s experience. Making a guest feel comfortable and safe is one of the biggest factors for any hotel. An updated, keyless hotel room entry system provides that peace of mind, with mobile keys adding an extra level of security (and convenience) for your patrons.
- Boost customer loyalty and increase your chances of returning visitors. It doesn’t seem like something as basic as your hotel key would significantly impact customer loyalty, but the attention to detail and level of security that it offers can impact customers. Additionally, you can use the mobile app as an opportunity to promote your amenities, as well as share offers for future visits.
The Cons of Keyless Hotels
- Older generations may be hesitant to try new technology. While the idea of using an app can be appealing to many, some of your older guests may not embrace this technology. Not every guest has a smart mobile device, and others may not be as comfortable with using this form of tech.
- There can be room for user error. From weak signals to dead batteries to simple human error, relying on a mobile device for room access can still have a few hiccups along the way. If your guests’ phone battery dies while they’re out, for example, you’ll need to have a backup entry option to allow them access to their room.
- The cost can be prohibitive. Depending on the size of your hotel, your annual budget, and other financial factors, making the shift to change your entire hotel over to keyless entry can be too much. You have to carefully weigh the costs and benefits before making that change.
- While rare, power outages can sink your whole operation. Even though the chances of this happening with any regularity are low, any system that relies on electricity to operate properly will require a backup power source.
- Ensuring you have the right software. It’s important to make sure that the software required for your keyless entry system is compatible with the rest of the facilities management software your hotel uses (and doesn’t pose any data security threat to your guests).
Hospitality is a Changing Industry: Keyless Hotels Are the Future
While keyless entry has become more prevalent in recent years, it’s actually been used in some mainstream hotel chains since 2010. Those early iterations had their challenges, but with more major hotel players in the industry adopting the technology as well, it’s grown leaps and bounds in recent years. Some major chains have created their own digital key programs to enhance customer loyalty and cut long-term costs.
With so many chains utilizing keyless entry, it’s safe to say that millions of travelers have encountered it at some point in their travels. While adoption of the technology has been slower for smaller, independent brands, it’s still a growing trend and will soon become the norm for all guests.
While it’s important to acknowledge there are some cons associated with any change to your hotel operations, many of these cons fit into the category of “growing pains,” and your hotel and guests can adjust with time. Research indicates that more and more guests are coming to expect keyless entry upon arrival.
Finding Success with Keyless Entry for Hotels
One of the benefits of keyless entry is that its versatility is customizable to meet your hotel’s needs and your audience. While it’s a highly adaptable option, sometimes one of the biggest challenges with so much freedom is knowing where to start.
From large chains, like Starwood, Hilton, and Holiday Inn, to smaller boutique hotels, finding a hotel to model your plan after should be easy to do. Here are four hotels that are doing it right that you can follow for inspiration.
So, You’ve Decided to Make the Change to Keyless Hotel Room Entry. Now What?
Let’s say you’re ready to adapt to keyless entry for your hotel. What comes next?
- Create a budget for your project. And stick to it.
- Research the many options for keyless entry and find one that will suit your hotel and future needs.
- Establish a realistic timeline for the project.
- Spread the word to frequent and future guests that you’ve made the change.
Change can be overwhelming, but with so much of the hospitality industry heading in this direction, it seems pretty clear to see that keyless hotel entry is here to stay. Whenever the time comes, if you’re well prepared for the adjustment, you will see fruitful rewards for both your hotel and your guests. Want to learn more about what Reliable Water Services can do for your hotel? Contact us today or click to learn more about our services for hotels.
