The End of an Era: When Will Hotels Say Goodbye to Keys?

The hotel industry has been gradually shifting towards digital check-in and contactless room access, but recent developments suggest we’re entering a new era where keys will become increasingly obsolete. EVT Hotels & Resorts is the first multi-brand group in Australia to introduce mobile wallet hotel keys across its portfolio.

Digital keys aren’t just about convenience; they also offer a way for hotels to reduce costs and minimize waste. Physical key cards have been a problem for years, requiring purchase, encoding, and replacement when lost, as well as contributing to plastic waste and e-waste. By ditching keys, hotels can streamline their operations and reduce their environmental footprint.

Digital keys should make check-in easier and more seamless. Apple’s Express Mode allows guests to simply hold their iPhone or Apple Watch near the lock to gain access, without needing to unlock the device or authenticate with Face ID. This small detail speaks to the industry’s growing focus on automation and efficiency.

The introduction of Aliro 1.0, a new digital access standard backed by major tech players like Apple, Google, and Samsung, is another significant development. This platform allows phones and smartwatches to work across compatible access systems, rather than relying on proprietary technology. This should make it easier for hotels to adopt this kind of technology.

However, there are still some caveats to consider. Not every guest owns a compatible device or wants to use a digital key; and when technology fails (and it will fail), hotels need alternatives in place. Physical key cards may be on their way out, but they’re not entirely obsolete just yet.

EVT’s rollout marks the next step in the hotel industry’s digitization process. We’ve seen online check-in, mobile payments, and guest messaging become increasingly popular – now, it seems, we’re moving towards a future where technology plays an even more central role in the guest experience. This shift will likely make hotels more efficient, but it also raises questions about how guests interact with their surroundings.

The humble room key may be on its way out, but the implications of this shift go far beyond just convenience or cost savings. It speaks to a broader trend towards automation and digitization – one that’s transforming many aspects of our lives.

As hotels continue to innovate and experiment with new technologies, they need to remember the importance of human touch in creating memorable experiences. The future may be digital, but it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s more efficient or better for guests.