New technologies are increasingly integrated in all areas and especially in tourism. The latest innovation that unites both sectors (technology and tourism) is the initiative launched by the boutique hotel chain Aloft, from the Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide company .
From now on, your guests will have an application to receive a virtual key to the room they are going to occupy, without having to go through reception. We tell you more details about this curious initiative below!
Using Bluetooth technology
At the moment, the virtual key application will only be available in a hotel in Harlem, in New York, and in another in Cupertino, in California. In a couple of months, those who stay in these establishments will receive instructions to download an application on their mobile that will be the one that allows them to use the virtual key to their room. All you have to do is bring the phone closer to the door, which, using Bluetooth technology, can be opened.
At the end of 2015, in all the hotels of the company
In order to use this key, guests must have an iPhone 4s or later or an Android 4.3. or more recent . By the end of 2015, the company plans to have installed this technology in the 123 Alfot and W hotels, which is its luxury brand.
Other alternatives
Today there are other alternatives to avoid having to go through the counter upon arrival at the hotel. For example, Marriot Internacional allows fixed customers to check -in online and then when they arrive at the hotel they go to a special counter and collect the key there without having to wait for further procedures.
What did you think of this initiative? Do you think that the virtual key should be installed in all hotels?