Hotel Door Lock Innovation in 2022: What You Need to Know

If you’re in the hospitality industry, then it’s important to stay ahead of the curve when it comes to hotel door lock technology. Hotel guests are looking for more convenience and security when they travel, and that’s what you can offer them with the latest innovations in hotel door locks. In this article, we will discuss some of the features that you can expect to see in hotel door locks in 2022.

Onity Serene™ Locks are available for install by the Siemlus Team

One of the most significant innovations in hotel door locks is the addition of RFID technology. This allows guests to use their smartphones or other devices to unlock their doors, without having to carry around a physical key. This is not only more convenient for guests, but it also adds an extra layer of security.

Electronic Hotel Door Locks and Mobile Digital apps

The key feature of digital keys is that they must be able to integrate with a hotel's existing mobile app. Some digital key platforms, however, can function as stand-alone solutions.

Now more sophisticated solutions may provide visitors with a third alternative to using and keeping physical keys that does not even require the use of a separate software. This is the ideal way for visitors to store their digital keys while also keeping track of other digitalised things such as airline boarding passes.

Such systems may more readily guarantee that each customer has greater control and choice over how they would like to interact with a hotel's digital key service, which can help increase overall adoption rates.

Recently, Apple released its Wallet app to allow certain hotels to exchange keyless alternatives.

There will also be more connections to a sweeping wave of digital changes in the hospitality industry, including not only digital keys but also other key hotel services like room service, booking reservations, and meal delivery.

There has been an increase in the speed at which we all move toward everything digital since the Covid pandemic began.

Minimising the number of touch points that a guest has to have when checking in, such as digital keys and remote access, was beneficial before. They are now a must-have. Minimising the number of operations that the reception needs to perform with the check-in procedure allows staff to focus on excellent service and guest experience.

The future of hotel key management will increasingly rely on mobile, with a door lock solution that meets both identified and prospective needs.

In 2022, more sophisticated lock improvements will allow for closer integration with a variety of management systems, such as temperature control, mobile key applications, guest payment, and location monitoring.

Onity's all in one digital lock solution

Onity, a global leader in electronic access solutions, is introducing Serene™, an all-in-one simple lock suited for aesthetically-focused high-end hotels. This small-form-factor lock has both beautiful design and cutting-edge DirectKey™ mobile access technology.

“Serene has been brilliantly designed to elevate both the form and function of a locking system to meet the increasing demand for advanced hotel door locks with sleek aesthetics that complement an exceptional guest experience,” said Fayyad Sbaihat, president, Onity. “Luxury and connected high-end hotels are the fastest growing hospitality segment, and Serene is designed with those customers in mind.”

Serene hotel door locks are available in a variety of lever handles and finishes to provide ultimate design flexibility and customisation for each hotel property, with a style that minimises on-the-door hardware.

Guests can use a hotel-provided smartphone app to securely download their assigned key to open their room and other guest access-controlled areas of the property through Onity's DirectKey mobile access technology and a third-party app.

The Onity DirectKey mobile app, which works with the hotel's property management system and Onity's OnPortal access management software, can be used by visitors who do not have a loyalty program. Alternatively, hotels without a loyalty program may give mobile access to their guests using the Onity DirectKey mobile app, which is compatible with the hotel.

How Mobile Key Adoption is Going

Mobile key technologies, having been released initially, have achieved exceptional market penetration and were being used as a service standard by several major hotel chains. Due to the technology's suitability for addressing rising demand for mobile-based experiences while being readily available self-service.

Check-in and other elements of a hotel stay may be managed from a smartphone using mobile technologies. In the past two years, Siemlus has seen an exceptional rise in popularity. Hoteliers may also use technology to improve guest satisfaction and operations by managing visitor keys. It's all about guests wanting less contact with other people and fewer touch points while travelling. We believe that hotels going digital is beneficial, but they must ensure that the infrastructure is in place to meet the growing demand so that hotels can continue to compete with big brands who have already made this shift.