Advice from Your Hospitality Brokers: Potential Benefits of a Mobile Key System

Mobile key technology is becoming more and more prevalent in the hotel industry. It can be extremely useful and convenient for both guests and your hotel staff. But is it worth the money and time to upgrade? Today in the Southeast International Hotel Brokers blog, our hospitality brokers provide some of their opinions on whether or not the upgrade is worth it.

How a Mobile Key System Works

The way mobile key systems work is pretty simple. An electronic lock is installed in the door that can “talk” to a smartphone and unlock when the key is held up to the door. A receptionist will issue the mobile key to the customer upon check-in. Once the customer is checked out, the key will no longer work. This is currently one of the most convenient and secure key systems available. But is it worth the cost of the upgrade? Our hospitality brokers think so.

What Makes It Worth the Upgrade?

When it comes to mobile key systems, the benefits tend to far outweigh the drawbacks. According to our hospitality brokers, these are some of the biggest benefits of mobile key systems:

Guest Convenience: The guest experience is obviously always near the top of a hotel owner’s priorities, and a mobile key system will more than likely enhance this experience. For one, it’s easy and convenient to use. A guest is also much less likely to forget their phone or lose it, as opposed to the typical hotel key which is often misplaced.

Cuts Down on Waste: Speaking of losing hotel keys, a mobile key system doesn’t create waste. The typical plastic keys are often lost or thrown away by guests, and hotels will have to constantly make new ones. With a mobile key system, this problem is permanently solved.

Highly Secure: As we mentioned previously, mobile key systems are one of the most secure hotel key systems available. To utilize a key, first you’ll have to enter your cell phone password. If you want, you can also require a login password for the key itself.

That’s two layers of security at the outset. Mobile key systems are also encrypted and are not left around like typical plastic key cards. This means these cards are much less likely to be stolen. Guests will appreciate this extra level of security.

Are There Any Drawbacks?

With all these benefits, it seems like a no-brainer to upgrade. However, there is one drawback that you will have to consider:

Cost: It will cost a decent amount to upgrade. You’ll need to put in new lock systems on all the doors and teach your staff how to issue the mobile keys to guests. But, if you can afford the cost, our hospitality brokers recommend upgrading when you can. This is more than likely the direction key systems are moving, so most hotels are likely to adopt them eventually.

Contact Our Hospitality Brokers

If you’re looking to buy or sell a hotel, let our hospitality brokers help. Our expertise and knowledge about the industry will be invaluable to you throughout the entire buying and selling process. Contact us today for more information.