Hotel Door Lock System
While a hotel door lock system might seem trivial, it can make or break the guest experience. Whether guests use a keycard, PIN code, or smartphone to unlock their doors, your hotel’s lock systems should integrate with your property management software for maximum efficiency.
Modern hotel electronic lock technologies also contribute to seamless check-in processes and promote energy-saving initiatives that save money for your property. Learn more about the various types of hotel locks available, including RFID, magstripe and Bluetooth technology.
Electronic Keys
Hotel lock systems must reliably secure guest rooms, private areas and access to on-site amenities. It’s important for hospitality business owners to choose a system that can protect credentials from theft, copying or hacking in order to reduce the risk of loss and maximize the security of property, staff and guests.
A popular choice for modern hotels is a hotel door lock system that uses digital keys. These credentials are sent directly to a mobile device, which users can then hold in proximity to the lock reader to gain access. Some people also refer to these types of locks as smart keys, digital key cards or RFID locks.
These kinds of locks have been around for a while and work by sending unique credentials to a mobile device that users can then unlock with a PIN code, fingerprint or an app. A number of large hotel chains have recently begun offering these kinds of digital keys to their customers. The locks use a combination of Wi-Fi, Near Field Communication (NFC) or Bluetooth technology to permit touchless entry.
RFID Key Cards
Unlike magnetic stripe key cards that have only a magnetic layer or a strip, RFID key card has all information saved in an invisible chip inside the card. Whenever hotel guests swipe their card on the lock’s reader, it immediately sends its user ID to the system, verifies and authenticates the information, and then communicates with the lock to grant access.
This type of access control system allows hotels to keep track of a large amount of data about their guest’s behaviors such as the rooms they are staying hotel door lock system in, the services they use, and what time they get up and go to bed. This information helps them better understand and improve their guest experiences.
Using this information, hotels can also better plan their property budgets and resources. This is why it’s important that they invest in a good quality RFID door lock system for their hotel properties. Salto’s iLockey RFID is an ideal solution for hotels looking to upgrade their existing room locks or for new build projects. The system is easy to install, with support for ANSI or European mortise doors, and is highly customizable online from finish, technology, to handle style and more.
Magstripe Keycards
Magnetic stripe hotel key cards contain a strip of hotel door lock system magnetic data that contains the basic information about your guest’s stay. When the card is swiped in front of the hotel door lock system the key card reader enables the electronic door to unlock.
Guests are assigned their room keys when checking in at the front desk or concierge. This process consists of linking the key card to the correct room on the digital system. Then, the front of house staff will wipe the key card so that it can be re-assigned to another room for the next guest.
This is a very simple and cheap key card lock system to install, as magstripe cards are easy to produce. However, they don’t offer the same level of security as RFID key cards. The reason is that mag stripe cards aren’t encrypted. They can also be easily demagnetized, so you’ll need to reload them with new information every time a guest checks out. This increases workload for the front of house staff. Lastly, they can be hacked more easily than RFID key cards, because the key card data isn’t encrypted.
Bluetooth & WiFi Systems
Hotel door lock systems, whether they incorporate RFID technology, electronic locks or Bluetooth capabilities, are a fundamental part of any hotel’s overall physical security strategy. They offer guests convenient and secure access control, help streamline the check-in process, and can also contribute to energy-saving initiatives.
Depending on the specific hotel, a guest may unlock an electronic lock system using a hotel room keycard, a PIN code or their smartphone. Magstripe locks, while less expensive than RFID or PIN-based systems, are notorious for being more prone to glitches and can result in guest lockouts that require them to return to the front desk to have their credentials reactivated.
In order to prevent these issues, hotels can install a WiFi or Bluetooth hotel lock that allows guests to use their own smartphones as the key. These systems typically come with detailed installation instructions, and they can easily be installed by a qualified technician. These systems can synchronize with the property management system to automate check-in, and they offer more flexibility for guests than traditional magstripe or RFID locks.
Pin Code Systems
Hotel door locks with pin code systems are an alternative to magnetic stripe or RFID technology. They are a popular choice for guest amenities, such as resort pools and gyms or vacation rental properties that don’t want to invest in more advanced technologies. These systems use a combination of lock cylinders, keypads and management software to provide secure access control while reducing the need for staff to track and manage keys.
Hotel door locks requiring guests to input a PIN code via a keypad are also common for hotel rooms, motels and bed and breakfasts. These systems are a practical option because guests don’t have to carry around extra keys or worry about them being lost, stolen or forgotten. They also allow hotels to monitor user credentials and revoke them instantly if necessary.
Upgrading to a smart lock system that incorporates RFID, Bluetooth capabilities and a mobile app can be cost-effective for hoteliers. It can improve guest security and convenience during check-in and throughout the stay, and support energy-saving initiatives. It can also help hotels streamline management processes, boosting productivity and allowing for better control over guest experiences.