Hilton chain of hotels decided to introduce high advanced technology allowing to use one’s Smartphone as a door key – this way personalizing and speeding up the process of check-in.
This innovative way of check-in and room selection would be available at 4,000 Hilton Worldwide Holding properties across 11 brands in more than 80 countries.
How will it work?
The new technology will allow quests to use their Smartphones as keys. They will also allow reserving a specific room or making special requests related to their stay. The process of door opening works through Bluetooth technology where an electronic chips are implanted in door locks. The additional ‘nominal’ cost for users was not confirmed. Hilton will use third-party companies to install these devices.
The new system was already tested in aerospace technology and it is just a matter of time for the hospitality industry to follow it. In fact Hilton’s competitor, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, announced earlier this year that it was testing the use of Smartphone keys at two of their hotels : in NYC and in California.
Security of the new check-in system
IT Specialists confirmed that this new way of opening room doors would be as secure as any previously available solution – if not better than the magnetic strip key cards.
Hilton Group ensures that most of its rooms would be upgraded by Smartphone key systems in 2016. The first in line to use this incredible technology would be Waldorf-Astoria, Conrad and Hilton properties. However, the front desk will still remain available; perhaps the staff’s responsibilities and duties will be modified. Hilton’s Group has more than 40 million HHonor members that will be eligible for such digital check-ins.
Wherever you are in the world one of our team will be in touch to advise on the best smart glass solution for your needs.