'Frustrating' hotel room key cards could disappear within five years

'Frustrating' hotel room key cards could disappear within five years

"Frustrating" hotel room keys which need to be swiped several times are on the verge of extinction as they are being replaced by new smartphone technology.

Hotel chains including Hilton and Louvre are introducing new bluetooth systems which let guests unlock their room doors by simply pressing a button on their mobile phone.

According to experts smartphone "keys" will be found as standard in hotels within five years, as big chains are replacing outdated key cards with the new hassle-free technology. 

Russell Kett, a hotels expert at hotel analyst HVS, said: "This technology is coming in faster than people might expect - it will be commonplace within five years in the UK.

Card keys can be frustrating and while some traditional hotels will stick to proper keys with fobs, many hotels will seek to improve customer experiences by replacing cards with new technology."

At present Hilton's new cardless key system is only available to their "Honors" members who download its smartphone app but if successful it could be rolled out to all its customers.

Guests can select their desired room on their smartphone using digital check-in and are given the option of a "digital key" during their stay. 

On the day of arrival and once their room is ready, they will receive a notification via the app which will enable the key. 

When guests approach their hotel room they press the virtual "unlock" button on the app to unlock the door – they don’t need to touch the door or hold it up to it.

Meanwhile the Louvre Hotels group, which operates the Kyriad, Campanile, Première Classe and Golden Tulip hotel chains, is also giving its customers the option of using their smartphone to check-in and open their hotel room door.

Geraldine Calpin, chief marketing officer at Hilton, said: “We know that our guests are looking for more choice and control over their entire travel journey and through digital tools such as digital keys and digital check-ins with room selection, we are giving guests the ability to personalise their stay at every stage, wherever they are in the world.”

Pierre-Frédéric Roulot, chief executive at Louvre Hotels Group, said: "This app will prevent check-in and check-out areas from getting too busy. And employees will be able to spend more time welcoming guests and making their stay even more pleasant."