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Apple Wallet Now Supports Hotel Keys From Some Hyatt Locations

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iOS 15 is meant to include several new features for the Wallet app, including support for car keys, hotel keys, HomeKit house keys, and IDs. Many of the features have yet to roll out, but as of today, Apple Wallet will begin supporting hotel keys.

hyatt-apple-wallet-1.jpg

Hyatt, a well-known hotel chain, today announced that it is adopting Apple's Wallet technology and will be introducing Apple Wallet room keys across six U.S. hotels in Hawaii, Key West, Chicago, Dallas, Silicon Valley, and Long Beach.

hyatt-apple-wallet-2.jpg

Customers at participating hotels will be able to add a room key to the Wallet app and then tap their iPhone or Apple Watch to unlock their rooms and common areas like gyms, pools, and elevators. Adding a key to Apple Wallet requires iOS 15, and it also works with an Apple Watch running watchOS 8.

Guests can hold their device near the door's NFC-enabled lock to access key card-protected areas, and with the Express Mode, an iPhone does not need to be unlocked to use the room key. Should their iPhone run out of battery, the Power Reserve feature allows it to continue to be used for unlocking the door for up to five hours.

According to Hyatt, members are able to add their room key to Apple Wallet after placing a reservation, and the wallet entry will let them know when check-in time arrives. When the guest is at the hotel and the room is ready, the Apple Wallet key will activate. The hotel can remotely update the guest's room key in Apple Wallet should a room change be needed, and when checking out, customers can do so through the Hyatt app, which deactivates and archives the key stored in Apple Wallet.

While the Apple Wallet key technology is being tested at just six locations right now, Hyatt expects it to roll out across all global properties in the future.


Article Link: Apple Wallet Now Supports Hotel Keys From Some Hyatt Locations
 
Article Link
https://www.macrumors.com/2021/12/08/apple-wallet-hyatt-hotel-keys/
Last edited:
DocMultimedia said:
Yeah, same here, but I'm guessing it won't be mandatory to have the specific hotel app. I guess.
Click to expand...

This is correct.

While I have the specific app for the airline, hotel, car rental, etc. for my trips, it would be nice if they could all be in the Wallet app so I have just one app to reference (right now my airline boarding passes work with the Wallet app).
 
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icanhazmac said:
Been doing this at Hilton properties for a couple of years via their app.
Click to expand...
Me too.

It's a handy feature. We check in online, get the room key, go right to the room and check out via the app.

Only reason I talk to a desk clerk is when I stay at a property that has the warm cookies at the front desk....
 
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IIGS User said:
nly reason I talk to a desk clerk is when I stay at a property that has the warm cookies at the front desk....
Click to expand...

Those would be great if it weren't for the damn walnuts ??!

I find I don't use the check-in/door key function often because I usually request upgrades at the desk when checking in. Being Diamond has its benefits.
 
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GMShadow said:
I used the Hyatt app a few months ago and found it unreliable as far as the door unlocking went - I eventually just went to ask the desk for a key. Doubt this will be much better.
Click to expand...
Most of the time the issue is due to user error, could be issues with the Bluetooth on the phone or the phone usually needs to be restarted
 
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MacRumors said:


iOS 15 is meant to include several new features for the Wallet app, including support for car keys, hotel keys, HomeKit house keys, and IDs. Many of the features have yet to roll out, but as of today, Apple Wallet will begin supporting hotel keys.

hyatt-apple-wallet-1.jpg

Hyatt, a well-known hotel chain, today announced that it is adopting Apple's Wallet technology and will be introducing Apple Wallet room keys across six U.S. hotels in Hawaii, Key West, Chicago, Dallas, Silicon Valley, and Long Beach.

hyatt-apple-wallet-2.jpg

Customers at participating hotels will be able to add a room key to the Wallet app and then tap their iPhone or Apple Watch to unlock their rooms and common areas like gyms, pools, and elevators. Adding a key to Apple Wallet requires iOS 15, and it also works with an Apple Watch running watchOS 8.

Guests can hold their device near the door's NFC-enabled lock to access key card-protected areas, and with the Express Mode, an iPhone does not need to be unlocked to use the room key. Should their iPhone run out of battery, the Power Reserve feature allows it to continue to be used for unlocking the door for up to five hours.

According to Hyatt, members are able to add their room key to Apple Wallet after placing a reservation, and the wallet entry will let them know when check-in time arrives. When the guest is at the hotel and the room is ready, the Apple Wallet key will activate. The hotel can remotely update the guest's room key in Apple Wallet should a room change be needed, and when checking out, customers can do so through the Hyatt app, which deactivates and archives the key stored in Apple Wallet.

While the Apple Wallet key technology is being tested at just six locations right now, Hyatt expects it to roll out across all global properties in the future.


Article Link: Apple Wallet Now Supports Hotel Keys From Some Hyatt Locations
Click to expand...
Well I guess this is a good marketing tool for Hyatt locations are use their app before for several years I don't know if this is absolutely newsworthy though
 
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iamkinggil said:
Most of the time the issue is due to user error, could be issues with the Bluetooth on the phone or the phone usually needs to be restarted
Click to expand...
I thought these things worked with NFC not Bluetooth? Isn’t that right?
 
To the ones you talk about Hilton or other Apps:

“Guests can hold their device near the door's NFC-enabled lock to access key card-protected areas, and with the Express Mode, an ‌iPhone‌ does not need to be unlocked to use the room key. Should their ‌iPhone‌ run out of battery, the Power Reserve feature allows it to continue to be used for unlocking the door for up to five hours.”

This is the killer reason. Same for corporate badges! A phone OFF is STILL a key, as face id not needed. Quick interaction as there is no forced identification.

and no bluetooth needed, this is pure NFC like apple pay. Look at this video, with same concept, for students:

 
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827538 said:
Looking forward to having my house key, car key, and drivers license on my phone and watch. Will save me from having those things in my wallet.

Perfect for the beach, gym, or hiking and one less thing to lose.
Click to expand...
The other nice thing will be if the worst happens and you get robbed, unlike a regular house key, car key and driver's license those things are inaccessible without your phone/watch's password.
 
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james2538 said:
The other nice thing will be if the worst happens and you get robbed, unlike a regular house key, car key and driver's license those things are inaccessible without your phone/watch's password.
Click to expand...
That is not true with express mode on… you dont need a pass to open the door
 
Access to a hotel room would be great if minors could use their watch to also gain entry securely. Unfortunately, the Apple Watch SE, set up as a Family Sharing device without its own dedicated iPhone does NOT work with HomeKit or smart locks. We had hoped to use this for our kid for keyless entry, made more secure than a key that can be lost.

Does anyone know of a workaround?
 
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