How Do Hotel Key Cards Work?

As we have alluded to, there are a few different technologies that can be used in Hotel Access Control, not only for room access but for limiting lift controls and even parking management. 

In terms of room access though, the technology used is often fairly comparable and the core concept is the same. A digital key is scanned in close proximity or insertion that grants access to your room.

Let’s contextualise how the process works via a simple example, this will show you the basics of how Key Cards work in hotels.

Step 1: Guest Checks In

You arrive at the hotel and go to the reception and check in. When you get to the counter the front of house worker will grab a Key Card and start the process.

Step 2: Key Card is Assigned

Each Key Card is blank and will then be assigned the door unlocking privileges at the front desk or concierge. 

They will link the Key Card with your room on the digital system, this is often done by a keypad that is attached to the computer which will transfer the temporary data onto your Key Card.

Step 3: Your Key Card Unlocks Your Door

When you go to your room you will typically be doing one of two things, either sliding the card into a card reader or tapping it against the reader.

Both methods will scan your card, read the data and grant you access, unlocking your door. The whole process normally takes less than a few seconds and you will probably be able to hear the mechanism unlocking.

Step 4: Cards Provide Power

In a lot of hotels your Key Card will actually provide power to your room, using a little reader next to the door. This is a green initiative utilised by hotels to reduce their power usage and also provide a secondary usage for your card.

The reader is normally designed to be triggered by ANY credit card, not just your room key, so maybe put your library card or something you will not need in there.

Step 5: Check Out Card Reset 

When you check out the card is wiped again so that it can be resigned to a new lock and door. This then allows the process to be started again for the next guest. 

With all of the cards being able to be linked to any of the doors in the hotel it makes each Key Card’s value much lower and easier to replace.