Just when you thought smartphones couldn’t get any smarter, they’re opening hotel room doors around the world.
Starting last November, Starwood Hotels & Resorts launched SPG Keyless, touted as the hospitality industry’s first mobile, keyless entry system allowing guests to enter their rooms with the tap of a smartphone. The new technology was introduced at Aloft, Element and W Hotels around the globe.
Not to be outdone, Hilton Worldwide is rolling out mobile-enabled room keys at hundreds of U.S. hotels across four brands: Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts and Canopy by Hilton.
“We’ve already begun testing our mobile key solution at select properties, and we’re looking forward to rolling out this technology broadly starting in summer 2015,” says Dustin Bomar, vice president, digital acquisition, Hilton Worldwide. “The biggest advantage we’re seeing for our meeting and convention groups is that it will streamline their stay with us. They can now choose their preferred room through digital check-in and room selection. Soon, our digital room key technology will allow [them] to bypass the front desk if they so choose by sending a digital key straight to their mobile devices.”
With the hospitality industry buzzing about smartphone room entry, other innovations are further enhancing hotel stays, including the following.
- In March, Marriott International announced its plan to become the first global hospitality company to offer Apple Pay, with a phased U.S. introduction this summer at 11 Ritz-Carlton, Edition, Renaissance and Marriott properties. Guests using Apple Pay at check-in can simply bring their iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus or soon, Apple Watch, near the contactless reader at the front desk. When their device responds with a subtle vibration and beep, the payment information has been securely captured. There will be no need to provide a credit card upon check-in.
- In February, Hyatt Hotels launched free Wi-Fi at all its properties worldwide, providing connectivity regardless of booking method or loyalty program participation. Travelers can access the free service on an unlimited number of mobile devices or laptops in Hyatt-branded hotel guest rooms and social spaces.
- Tech trends have come to teambuilding at Fort Lauderdale’s Bonaventure Resort & Spa, thanks to on-site Koncept Events, which has created customized, interactive experiences utilizing smartphones and iPads and playing off current plots in news, movies and TV.
“With all the clutter we see on social media and the Internet, we need to continuously raise the bar with new concepts that seize and sustain the attention of our over-stimulated attendees,” says Hillary Smith, partner at Koncept Events, which offers experiences that range from a high-tech scavenger hunt to an airboat ride through the Everglades.
