Picture this: A family arrives late at a hotel, stressed and exhausted from travel delays. The staff are also frustrated, having waited hours to hand over this final key. The family heads to their room, but the key gets stuck. Cue even more frustration. The next day, their child loses the key. The family is locked out and needs help again (and the hotel now needs to spend time and money replacing the key).
The experience couldn’t have started worse for both the family and the hotel. The family leaves a bad review, putting off other potential guests, and the staff are even more discouraged.
Now, imagine the hotel uses keyless entry. The family is sent their personal keycode in advance, knowing they can arrive at any time. They go straight to their room without hassle or the need for staff. Everyone in the family has the code, making access easy and stress-free. Convenient, easy, automatic. The family are thrilled with the easy experience, tell everyone they know, and leave a great review.
That’s the power of hotel keyless entry systems. It’s no surprise then that research shows* that 73% of travelers want to use their mobile device during their hotel experience, including for checking-in, and 34% even say they want a fully self-service and contactless model, with staff needed on request only.
Keyless entry is quickly becoming a non-negotiable in all modern hotels. Here’s why it’s a must-have, how to implement it, and 8 of the best options to help you install it ASAP.
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How does keyless entry work in a hotel?
Hotel keyless entry systems work via smart hotel technology, and enable guests, cleaners, and housekeepers to enter a hotel and their specific room or unit without a key or a card. Instead, they use smart locks that are unlocked and locked digitally.
Keyless hotel automation entry systems usually work using the following systems, or a combination of both:
Smartphone or mobile keys
Guests download an app or use a browser website to securely access their room. Usually, the app shows them a keycode that they can use to input on a keypad. This is sent before their stay, or when they arrive. More rarely, the guest may have to scan a code or hover their phone over the lock to enter.
Number keypads
Guests are sent a short, unique keycode that they can use to access the main building and their room. They input the code into a keypad on the door to unlock it. These codes can be changed with each guest, for extra security. Guests may be sent the code in advance via email or app, or get it when they arrive.
Some hotels also use check-in kiosks, which act as ‘robot receptionists’ for guests. Guests can check in at these kiosk screens when they arrive, confirm their details, and receive their room access code via the same system.
Many hotel keyless entry systems are also part of a wider guest experience or operations management platform, which can include extra features such as hotel guest messaging, and in-app upsells.
What are the benefits of keyless entry for hotels and guests?
Hotel keyless entry systems are far more than just another hotel technology trend. They offer multiple major benefits for the guests and hotel alike.
Better hotel security
- No physical key risk. Keyless entry removes the risk of lost, stolen, or copied keys or cards, meaning improved security for your hotel.
- Remote monitoring. Staff can monitor entry and exit via smart locks remotely, only grant access to authorized guests and staff, and revoke, change, or block access at any time. Plus, you can monitor when the locks are used in real-time, for even better security and safety monitoring.
An elevated hotel guest experience
- Reassuring for guests. Keyless entry is easier and more reassuring for guests, as they have their arrival and access information in advance, so they are ready to check in at any point.
- Less travel stress. Enabling guests to check in at any time means guests are less stressed if their travel is delayed, or their planned arrival time changes, for a less anxious journey.
- Better digital experience. Keyless entry is often part of a digital guest experience platform or app, which can offer guests a better, smoother stay overall. For example, as well as showing the keyless entry code, the app may answer frequently asked questions, show local attractions and restaurants, or enable in-room extras to be ordered, such as room service, a taxi, or a baby cot.
- Personalized features. In-room digital apps can also offer guests personalizable features, such as connection to smart devices to enable them to tweak lights, music, and temperature.
- Less risk or stress of loss. Without a physical key or keycard, guests don’t have to worry about losing their key while on holiday. They can always get into their room using their code.
A better staff experience, greater efficiency, and more cost savings
- More bookings. As increased numbers of guests expect keyless check-in as standard, and look for it before booking, hotels that offer it are likely to receive more bookings than those that don’t. Similarly, an easier guest experience will lead to better reviews and more bookings as a result.
- Staff time savings. As some in-room and keyless apps offer answers to frequently asked guest questions, there is less need for staff to answer the same questions over and over. This reduces guest frustration and also saves staff time, freeing them up for more useful tasks.
- Better use of staff time. Using keyless entry means staff are no longer stuck behind a desk, as there’s no more need to hand over guest keys. The hotel saves costs on reception staff and requires fewer staff overall. It also enables employees to be more agile and able to help out across the hotel, rather than only in the lobby.
- Extra revenue. Keyless entry apps can offer hotels an extra source of revenue, as they can offer extra upsells such as room service, taxis, baby or sports equipment hire, or deals on local attractions and restaurants.
- Reduced costs. No more lost keys or keycards means hotels no longer have to spend time or money on replacing them. Over time (or in a big enough hotel), these savings can add up.
Simpler hotel operations
- Simplified hotel tech stack. For hotels with increasing tech needs, using a hotel management platform that includes keyless entry as well as managing operations, staff, and guest experience makes for a much easier digital experience for both staff and guests.
- Easier access. Because keyless entry works for everyone (as long as they have the code), it enables easier and remote-enabled access for housekeeping and maintenance, ensuring that the hotel’s rooms are always cleaned and ready for new guests, even at short notice.
- Easier remote management. Keyless platforms enable staff to coordinate remote access via an app or digital dashboard, meaning that the team does not need to be on-site to welcome guests. Questions can be answered via the app, or via video call if guests need help. This saves on employee costs and enables more rooms to be running even with a lean staff.
- Smoother data collection. Using a digital app independent of any OTAs or booking platforms enables hotels to gather guest data more easily, making it easier to build loyalty, contact them for future feedback and reviews, and remarket to them later with special offers and deals.
Key features and characteristics to look for in hotel keyless entry systems
The main features to keep an eye out for when comparing and contrasting hotel keyless entry systems and providers (depending on your hotel’s needs) include:
- Useful integrations: Hotels should look for a keyless entry system that can integrate smoothly with the rest of their tech stack—e.g. their PMS—to make operations easier and seamless.
- Good customer service and onboarding. Look for good reviews for customer service, overall happy users, or a detailed help page or knowledge base, to ensure implementing the new system is hassle-free.
- Retrofitting options. Not all hotels will want to (or have the budget) to completely replace every single door or lock. In this case, looking for options that can be retrofitted may be a priority.
- Best cost for your business. The cost of such a revolutionary lock system may not be the top criterion on the list, but budget and value for money are always important considerations.
- Interface that works best for everyone. Consider what will work best for guests and the hotel. Would guests prefer a simple key app; a kiosk; or a browser-based solution that offers comprehensive guest services? Does the hotel need to offer access to other areas too (such as a pool or spa?), provide in-room extras, a local guidebook, or the option to book a table at the hotel restaurant?
- Hardware, software, or both? Depending on the hotel’s needs, it may make most sense to look for a company that specializes in smart lock hardware, versus one that specializes mainly in hotel guest experience or keyless entry software.
Examples of hotels implementing keyless entry systems
Keyless hotel entry systems are becoming commonplace in some of the world’s biggest hotels, with hospitality tech companies and apps catering to major chains as well as boutique-style operations.
Hilton Worldwide
Hilton Worldwide offers keyless entry as part of its suite of guest tools via its Hilton Honors app. The proprietary platform (available on Android and iOS) enables guests to choose their room, check in and unlock their door (no need to wait at the front desk), book and manage their stay, earn rewards, stream music or TV in-room, check out online, and call a taxi via ride-sharing service Lyft.
Sonder
Sonder—founded in Montreal, Canada, and now also operating across North America, the UK, and Europe—prides itself on offering guests apartment-style living with the convenience of hotels, and the latest in modern smartphone-enabled technology. Its app enables guests to check in, access their space, request cleaning and fresh towels, book a later check-out, see local amenities, and see instructions for using in-room devices such as the AC, coffee, and Wi-Fi.
Mint House
Describing itself as a “tech-enabled aparthotel” company, Mint House has sites across the US, including in Miami, New York, Dallas, and Nashville. It offers smartphone-linked services that go beyond smart lock and contactless check-in, including easy connection to fast Wi-Fi, and pre-arrival features such as pre-stocking the fridge or offering customizable in-stay experiences.
Top 8 hotel keyless entry systems
Whether you’re looking for a complete guest experience platform, or just want a simple app that unlocks doors, these top picks of hotel keyless entry system providers have got you covered.
1. OpenKey
As its name suggests, OpenKey is a digital key-focused app option that enables hotels to offer guests a simple, branded solution for easy access to rooms and communal areas. It mainly focuses on enabling guests to open doors, but also has other handy guest and operations features.
Main features
- Digital key technology via an easy-to-use guest app.
- Access to in-room amenities such as Wi-Fi, room service, laundry, and other offers.
- Integrations with 50+ partners, including PMSs Mews, Cloudbeds, and Salto hardware.
- Operations dashboard that shows which rooms are occupied, and enables staff to tailor guest access to all areas of the hotel.
- Software solution and digital key hardware options.
- Ability to add its smartphone key capability to a hotel’s existing app.
2. Goki
Goki specializes in smart devices that automate access to hotels, saving time for both guests and staff. Its services include locks that connect to your existing PMS, app, or guest communication platform. It aims to enable all hotels to upgrade existing “dumb lock” doors to their smarter, modern versions.
Main features
- SDK and API access that enables Goki locks to connect to existing hotel apps.
- Integrations with major reservation systems and PMS such as Mews, Cloudbeds, and RMS.
- Can connect to an app or a web-based browser in case guests don’t want to use another app. Also works with wearables such as Apple watches.
- Provides a “lock audit” on existing hotel setups to help managers decide what they need.
- Offers 24/7 live support for all existing customers, to help work out any issues quickly.
3. Virdee
Virdee describes itself as a “virtual reception”, enabling guests to bypass front desk staff on arrival, to not only unlock their room but also benefit from automated pre-arrival messaging and in-room extras. It specializes in automation to remove manual tasks from staff to-do lists and simplify check-in.
Main features
- Automated check-in and room access, whether via smartphone, smartwatch, or kiosk.
- Guest ID verification process for extra security and international arrivals.
- Automated payment processing via credit cards or digital wallets.
- Automated pre-arrival messaging and notifications.
- Amenities access for in-stay extras and upsells.
- Remote guest assistance via the same platform.
- Integrations with hotel tech and smart locks including Mews, WebRezPro, Salto, and Assa Abloy.
4. Operto
Operto is a comprehensive hospitality management platform that offers mobile keys as part of its wider guest experience and operations services. It aims to improve not only the guest journey, but also streamline and simplify staff workloads and team coordination, even remotely.
Main features
- Secure, automatically-generated mobile keys and keypad codes.
- Automated housekeeping and operations processes, including scheduling, access, task assignments, and team communication.
- Digital guidebooks on the same platform as the digital key, including local recommendations and tailored upsells.
- No guest app to download; everything is done via a browser-based, smartphone-optimized page.
- Enables in-room personalization of smart devices such as thermostats and smart lights.
- Wide range of integrations including major PMSs like Mews, Hostfully, and OwnerRez, as well as leading lock hardware companies such as Nuki, Salto, Yale, and Schlage.
5. Intelity
A digital experience platform that offers mobile check-in, check-out, and mobile keys. Intelity aims to personalize guests’ stays and increase revenue from in-stay upsells, such as in-room dining and wellness treatment bookings. Its operations services aim to simplify and reduce staff workloads.
Main features
- Mobile key via smartphone, along with mobile check-in and check-out.
- Guest messaging with staff in real-time.
- Coordination and management of smart room tablets for in-room services and help.
- Digital concierge management and guest request organization.
- Upsells such as in-room dining, sports activities, and other hotel services.
- In-room casting of TV and music from guest devices.
- Voice assistant enabled for Amazon Alexa.
- Guest marketing, feedback, and help ticket coordination.
- 100+ integrations with leading PMSs and smart lock hardware
6. FlexiPass
FlexiPass specializes in offering a range of door-opening options to help hotels of all kinds simplify guest access, save staff time, and enable revenue-generating upsells. It offers what it calls “Mobile Keys, Webkeys and Wallet Keys”, which are, respectively: smartphone keys, digital door-opening buttons in messaging apps, and digital keys in guests’ smartphone wallets.
Main features
- Mobile keys that enable fast smartphone door opening.
- Webkeys that offer door opening buttons through digital guest experience apps, or WhatsApp chat.
- Wallet keys that enable guests to unlock doors via a “swipe” key in their smartphone wallet.
- API and SDK access for easy connection to existing hotel systems.
- Online check-in capability and upsell options through integrated platforms, including PMSs like Cloudbeds, and Opera; guest communication platforms like Akia and Guestnet; and leading smart lock providers like Salto and Assa Abloy.
- 24/7 guest messaging through an AI-enabled chatbot.
- Kiosk capability and online payment options.
7. Salto
Salto is best known as a leading hardware and smart lock provider, with smart deadbolts and hotel room lock systems that integrate with a wide range of leading check-in and smart key services. It does have its own app, Salto KS, however, if you need a “light” solution designed to work with your hardware.
Main features
- A range of smart locks for all types of doors and access, including electronic “scan” locks, keypad locks, and wall-mounted keypads and cylinders.
- Salto KS cloud-based app that offers a smartphone and web platform to enable staff to manage all doors, users, and locations remotely, in real-time.
- Digital key enablement via smartphones and/or PIN codes.
- Integrations via API access and a wide range of digital partners and systems.
8. Canary Technologies
Described as a “guest journey platform”, Canary Technologies goes beyond keyless entry to offer digital check-in, guest messaging, in-room upsells, and extras such as tipping and payment capabilities. It also aims to centralize hotel operations and offer data insights to improve team and business performance.
Main features
- Mobile check-in via smartphone with no extra app required.
- Mobile keys via smartphone to enable guests to skip the front desk.
- Guest messaging that connects to both real staff and a 24/7 AI bot.
- Digital guest guidebook to offer local attractions and sites.
- Leading fraud protection infrastructure that flags up potentially problematic guests.
- Digital ID screening, signature collection, digital tipping, and payment.
- Dynamic upsells for in-room amenities and helpful add-ons.
- Tablet registration for hotels that still need a form of front desk or real-life check-in.
- AI-enabled features to personalize customer messaging, help, and requests.
