Here's a First Look at the iPhone's Convenient Hotel Room Key Feature

[MacRumors]

iOS 15 and watchOS 8 introduce the ability to add hotel room keys to the Wallet app on the iPhone and Apple Watch, allowing you to gain access to your room, elevators, and other locked areas by simply tapping your iPhone or Apple Watch against a card reader. The feature eliminates the need for a traditional plastic room card.

Last month, hotel chain Hyatt became the first to adopt the feature at six U.S. locations, including Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort, Hyatt Centric Key West Resort & Spa, Hyatt House Chicago/West Loop-Fulton Market, Hyatt House Dallas/Richardson, Hyatt Place Fremont/Silicon Valley, and Hyatt Regency Long Beach.

KTLA's Rich DeMuro recently visited the Long Beach location to test the feature, as seen in a video spotted by the blog Appleosophy.

Using the Hyatt app, hotel guests can add their room key to the Wallet app after completing a reservation, and they will be notified when check-in time arrives. Once a guest is checked in and the room is ready, the room key in the Wallet app will be activated for immediate use and display the guest's room number and reservation length.

DeMuro tested the feature with Express Mode enabled, meaning that the iPhone does not need to be unlocked in order to be used as a hotel room key. The process was quick and seamless, allowing him to gain access to his room and the elevator in a split second. Express Mode can be disabled for users who prefer an added layer of security.

Should the ‌iPhone‌ run out of battery, an automatic Power Reserve feature allows the device to be used as a hotel key for up to five hours.

Hotel room keys in the Wallet app are both convenient and can provide for a contactless experience. If a Hyatt guest needs to change rooms, extend a stay, or request a late check out, the hotel can update the guest's room key in the Wallet app remotely, eliminating the need for the guest to visit the front desk. When it's time to check out, guests can do so through the Hyatt app, and the room key will be remotely deactivated.

Hyatt plans to roll out hotel room keys in the Wallet app globally over time, and other hotel chains will likely follow suit, but the feature remains limited for now.

Article Link: Here's a First Look at the iPhone's Convenient Hotel Room Key Feature

 

[Caliber26]

MGM Resorts in Vegas already kinda does this but through their app. A little less convenient than having it in the Wallet app but certainly a lot better than having to carry a room key which ends up getting deactivated at some point.

 

[code-m]

Does phone actually require physical contact with the reader? Weird.

 

[Tarrant64]

I've had a similar feature through Hilton for a few years now. Haven't needed a room key in some time, albeit through the Hilton app. I'm fairly sure after a couple updates it was also something that could be added to the Wallet. As I approached a room, the key would popup on my phone and I could choose to unlock the room. It was great.

Not sure there was a need for this - but it is nice to see tech moving forward even for the simple things.

 

[metapunk2077fail]

Until I'm sure door can't be hacked by Nicolas Cage I want proper metal keys.

 

[tagsaid]

Does phone actually require physical contact with the reader? Weird.

Coming directly from Apple: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212847

How to open your hotel room with your iPhone or Apple Watch​

1. Make sure that your device is turned on. It doesn't need to be connected to a cellular or Wi-Fi network.
2. Hold the top of your iPhone or the display of your Apple Watch near the lock.
3. When the door unlocks, a checkmark and Done show on your device.

So, no, no contact required according to their documentation, it may just be the way he uses NFC. I know people who even use Apple Pay by making contact between the watch or phone and the NFC reader, it is how some people do it.

 

[longofest]

Does phone actually require physical contact with the reader? Weird.

No. It uses 13.56 Mhz wireless tech called "NFC" which typically communicates at a distance of about an inch. Because it is such a short range tech, many people end up just touching their device to the reader.

 

[TheYayAreaLiving 🎗️]

Until I'm sure door can't be hacked by Nicolas Cage I want proper metal keys.

I agree. I prefer the classic card hotel room key.

 

[jz0309]

Until I'm sure door can't be hacked by Nicolas Cage I want proper metal keys.

not sure any hotel offers metal keys anymore ...

 

[LeadingHeat]

This is pretty nifty. I hope more hotel chains jump on board! Much easier to share a hotel room key too. Also saves the hotel money in the long run I’d think by not having to replace/rekey all those locks over the years when people forget to turn the cards back in

 

[jz0309]

I agree. I prefer the classic card hotel room key.

this feature has been available from Hilton through their app for at least 3+ years, though I don't think I ever used it, and havn't been in a hotel for the past almost 2 years ... but back when I was traveling almost weekly, a handy feature ...

 

[Pankeborg]

Seems like having to use the phone is leas convenient than a tiny card. The only advantage is that they could send you the key in advance and things like that.

 

[Lounge vibes 05]

Seems like having to use the phone is leas convenient than a tiny card. The only advantage is that they could send you the key in advance and things like that.

OK but using the watch? That’s convenient.
I hate, hate, HATE hotel key cards, especially at resorts with water parks and such. So easy to lose those things.
Meanwhile, my watch only comes off my wrist when I’m sleeping, so… no need to worry about losing anything

 

[ghostface147]

This is going to take a very long time to roll out.

 

[Lounge vibes 05]

Until I'm sure door can't be hacked by Nicolas Cage I want proper metal keys.

Most hotels these days just use those tiny thin plastic cards, not sure how your phone or watch that most likely will always be on you is any less secure than a card

 

[DribbleCastle]

Just like Apple Pay. Only really convenient enough for me to use on the Apple Watch. One of the killer features IMO.

Went to a ski resort that had tap to pay everywhere and as you might expect, it’s a thousand times easier than pulling something out of your pocket.

 

[joeblow7777]

Neat. I know that many aren't comfortable with the idea, but I long for the day when my iPhone is literally the only thing I need to carry when I leave the house.

 

[DinkThifferent]

Where are the software updates?

 

[sppunk]

Hyatt and Hilton (and Marriott I believe) have digital keys built in to the app and it’s a godsend. Never have to see anyone at a hotel is wonderful when it’s a generic Homewood Suites or whatever.

Adding to the Wallet makes it easier aside - win, win.

 

[gbc204]

MGM Resorts in Vegas already kinda does this but through their app. A little less convenient than having it in the Wallet app but certainly a lot better than having to carry a room key which ends up getting deactivated at some point.

I used their app at the Bellagio, and I ended up just printing out the physical keys after a day. Maybe it's better using the Wallet, but i really hated actually having to get my phone out and going into the app. Especially with my arms full of coffee etc. The physical key is fine, I can carry it in between my fingers while carrying a bunch of other stuff, and if you lose one, then you can just use the app to make another one.
Now, if it works like the transit app and you can just touch your Watch to the door, sign me up.

 

[dannyyankou]

It seems convenient, but I'd keep a physical key with me at all times just to be safe. At stores the NFC reader sometimes doesn't work, it would be a shame to be locked out of my hotel room for a similar reason.

 

[Caliber26]

OK but using the watch? That’s convenient.
I hate, hate, HATE hotel key cards, especially at resorts with water parks and such. So easy to lose those things.
Meanwhile, my watch only comes off my wrist when I’m sleeping, so… no need to worry about losing anything

Not mention how easily those room keys get accidentally deactivated if they’re in contact with your credit cards or your phone. Nothing is more annoying than having to walk to the front desk to get your key reactivated. Especially at large resort hotels. This solves that issue for me.

 

[DanteHicks79]

Westin's had this feature for several years, now. You can even load the key to your Watch - only lame thing is it isn't in the Wallet, but in the Watch app for Westin. No biggie.

 

[Mizouse]

MGM Resorts in Vegas already kinda does this but through their app. A little less convenient than having it in the Wallet app but certainly a lot better than having to carry a room key which ends up getting deactivated at some point.

I was going to bring this up as well. I’ve used it many times at a some of the Vegas MGM properties I’ve stayed at.

But I do kind of in a way like having the physical key cards. I collect them as a memento of my trip.

And now all this talk of Vegas makes me want to go, sadly the last time I’ve gone was Jan 2020 and I usually went like 3-4 times a year.

 

[Chaos215bar2]

This is pretty nifty. I hope more hotel chains jump on board! Much easier to share a hotel room key too. Also saves the hotel money in the long run I’d think by not having to replace/rekey all those locks over the years when people forget to turn the cards back in

Cards are already time-coded. If they weren't, it'd be incredibly easy to just copy a key card, turn it in, and use the copy any time you wanted to access the room.