Hotels Lock It Up

When you are traveling in another country, it is important the room is locked properly. Most mid and high-end hotels accomodate magnetic strip key cards. Some hotels transfer credit cards into room cards for the convenience of customers. With the increasing demand for higher security, suppliers are responsible for providing the best locking system for hotel guests. Room keys not only have to be easy to use, but aesthetically pleasing for the guests. “Contactless locking solutions that rely on radio frequency identification (RFID) technology and near field communication (NFC) cell phone compatibility are two solutions that are poised to be the next innovations in door-locking security.” With the RFID, it only requires guests to hold up a key card, wristband, or fob to the reader in order to gain access into the room. This prevents occurrences of key card demagnetization. The device is simple and easy to use for the guests. Another option is using a NFC-enabled cell phone to unlock the room. This is prevalent in Europe and Asia. “NFC is a short-range high frequency wireless communication technology which enables the exchange of data between devices over a distance of about 4 inches.

Quickness and easiness is not the only good part about these devices. RFID and NFC allow guests to skip the check-in line upon arrival and go straight to their rooms, using their cell phones to unlock the room. Upon arrival, guests will receive a short message which includes a booking confirmation and room number, with an encrypted room key access code that unlocks their door with their cell phone. Also at the end of their stay, guests can use their cell phones to check-out through an NFC-enabled in-room television or an NFC-enabled hotel kiosk. There is no need to stop at the front desk to check-in or check-out.

FoneKey, VingCard, and Kaba Ilco are one of the suppliers that offer this service. VingCard offers RFID lock at The Plaza in New York City. Regal Enclave and Executive Enclave in Mumbai, India are using this system. Guests love new technological tools. When it is easy and quick, guests will love more. By providing better service for guests, hotels are able to advertise themselves to the world. Sooner or later, FoneKey will be expanding its services to many hotels in the states.

Hotels Lock It Up by Christina Volpe