mh4ll

I've used the Apple Wallet-based digital key a couple of times and it works great -- unlike the old bluetooth-based key in the app, which is cumbersome and less convenient than a normal key card. However, nearly 18 months after announcing this feature, the number of properties that support it is still vanishingly small. ~100 I believe, and most are limited-service properties.

I would have assumed that the technical integration would be a lot of work for a given type of door lock / software system, but once that was solved, the rollout to other properties that use the same system would be easy. However, the pace of adoption has never picked up, and brand new hotels are opening without this feature. Curious if anyone has heard anything from Hyatt on this subject?

SNA_Flyer

Nope. The one property I used it at last year was Hyatt House Chicago West Loop, and it worked great.

However, the greatest problem is properties refusing to even do online check in and then push the key down to your phone.

They all want you to go to the front desk first. Which defeats the whole purpose of mobile key.

This is one place Hilton is light years ahead of Marriott and Hyatt. Their mobile key has always worked flawlessly for me every time. And the app does an amazing job allowing you to choose your room as well.

mh4ll

Definitely agree that the lack of consistency with online check-in is annoying -- although even then I see some value in Mobile Key for the convenience factor. Out of curiosity, does the Hilton mobile key work without unlocking your phone and opening the Hilton app?

WasKnown

Hilton's tech team is generally pretty good relative to other major hotel chains (though that isn't saying much). I'm not surprised Hyatt has been so slow to roll this out given their history with technology.

notquiteaff

I dunno. Hilton has its own challenges with technology. Took them forever to show free night certs online, but we still can’t book them without calling. Still need to contact customer service for lifetime status progress. And their login system was a mess for a long time. In general, few travel companies are great IT companies. They all have issues and challenges in some areas and shine in others. Perhaps a reflection of where they invest limited budgets.

Perhaps they want you to show up instead of mattress-running from remote or letting someone else use your room?

Or they want to make sure they can issue you the precious water bottles in person?

I have rarely chosen mobile key, but always in addition to a physical keycard. Since I am usually traveling with my wife, we need two cards anyway. Does any chain allow you to grant a second phone key access?​​​​

WasKnown

Most hotel companies definitely have very very weak tech. Personally, I think Hilton is the “least bad” out of the big 4 points chains but, to your point, they are still lacking in many areas.