Losing your keys and having to go to reception for a new pair is now a thing of the past… Google Wallet has launched mobile key support for hotels to use with their guests.
Hotels will now be able to offer guests digital hotel key cards that can be stored directly in their Google Wallet for Android phone users. Leading the way for this innovation, The Clarion Hotel Post in Gothenburg is one of the first hotels to offer this functionality to guests.
Guests can now save their room keys to their Google Wallet at hotels that choose to support this feature. Using near-field communication (NFC), they will be able to access their rooms by tapping the back of their phones on a reader near the door handle, much like how you can pay for items using mobile banking.
Hotel chains including Marriott and Hilton have been offering customers mobile keys using the brands’ respective apps for some time, but this is the first time it has been available in Google Wallet, losing the need for hotel-branded apps. Particularly when you’re tight for memory in your Android’s storage, this is a brilliant alternative.
For Apple users feeling left out, you’ll be happy to hear that Apple launched a similar solution in 2021 for iPhone and Apple Watch users.
How to add a digital hotel key card to your Android
- Open the hotel’s website, app, or email.
- If necessary, sign in to the hotel’s website.
- Tap ‘Add to Google Wallet’.
Tip: You can typically find this button on the reservation confirmation page from the hotel’s website, app, or email. If you cannot find it, the hotel may not support the digital hotel key card feature. For further details, contact the hotel.
In Summary…
This is a sign for all hotels to get on board with digital hotel key cards. There are Android users that have expressed frustrations that hotel chains will not adopt this technology in favour of their own apps. And while it does make sense for brands to maintain their apps’ relevance to its guests, considering their guests preferences would go a long way in building trust and loyalty.