Club Quarters, a hotel brand and management company, has announced that all of its locations across the U.S. and the U.K. will now offer guests the option to use digital room keys stored in their mobile device wallets. This move makes Club Quarters the first hotel chain to implement the technology at every one of its properties, compatible with both Apple and Android devices.
While other hotel chains have rolled out digital room keys at select locations, Club Quarters is among the first to make it available across its entire portfolio. The digital key system is designed to streamline the check-in process and provide a more secure, sustainable and convenient alternative to traditional key cards.
Previously, digital keys at Club Quarters were available through the hotel’s app, a feature introduced in 2017. Now, guests can bypass the need for a dedicated app. Upon check-in, guests will receive their room key via a confirmation email, which they can then add to their digital wallet on their phone. They can then access their room with a simple tap.
Once a guest checks in electronically, the digital key will be activated and ready to use. The guest will no longer have to open an app, navigate through menus or unlock their phone. The key can also be used to access hotel amenities such as fitness centers, adding an extra layer of convenience. If a guest decides to extend their stay, the key will be automatically updated, eliminating the need to visit the front desk.
If a guest’s phone battery dies, the system will enable the mobile key to function for up to five more hours, preventing the risk of being locked out of the room.
“We truly believe that soon digital keys will displace key cards, which have been shown to be less secure,” said Club Quarters CEO John Paul Nichols. “We use our mobile phones to board planes and enter sports and concert venues. Entering your hotel room with a digital key on your phone will become another extension of that, and Club Quarters is incredibly proud to lead the industry in offering this convenience to all of our customers at all of our hotels.”
The technology is powered by Vingcard, a provider of advanced door lock systems, and uses the Vostio Access Management platform. The platform ensures data encryption and compatibility with mobile wallets, enabling secure and smooth key generation.
While key cards will remain available for those who prefer them, Club Quarters anticipates that the convenience of mobile wallet-based keys will quickly become the preferred option for many guests.
