When it comes to checking into your hotel, it is always about not forgetting the key that the hotel issued to you when you checked in. Even though the key card system has seen its versions of technology come and go over the years, most of those that travel a lot could agree that the system could be better. With technology taking over the world, it is surprising that something like this has not come along a little sooner. Hotels in New York City have announced they will be testing out a new method of getting into your room.
The Starwood Hotels in the city are going to be using NFC and Bluetooth technology to allow guests to unlock their rooms with their smartphones. Since the technology has been around for some time now, it is surprising to some that this option was not implemented a lot sooner. Nonetheless, the option is coming and according to the Wall Street Journal, the hotels are about to launch the program at two hotels for preferred guests. Users will be able to walk right passed the check in desk and right up to their room as long as you have the Starwood Preferred Guest application downloaded on your devices.
The application will tell you what room is yours and it will also allow you to unlock the room door with their smartphone simply by waving the phone or tapping the application. The Aloft Hotel is another location that is also going to be using a new feature using Bluetooth technology, which will move checking in and key cards a thing of the past. Officials for the Starwood Hotels think this technology will be the best thing since hotels started offering free Wi-Fi to guests.
The Wall Street Journal also reported that hotel owners would prefer the guests get help from a real person, but in the digital age and those that are familiar with it, getting help will be something that is not needed. The mobile app for keyless entry and making the check in process easier is available for Android 4.3 or higher smartphones, as well the iPhone 4S and newer. Starwood also announced that more hotels that the company owns throughout the country will be getting the same features at some point in 2014.
