Operto Resources

The 7 Best Hotel Door Locks In 2023 For A Modern Hotel

Operto integrates with over 65 locks, but these industry heavyweights stand out as some of the most reliable, scalable and best supported.

7 best hotel or vacation rental door lock systems

They’re the first thing guests encounter when they reach their room and often the last thing they interact with when they leave your hotel. 

But as an owner or manager in the hotel industry, hotel room locks can be an understandable source of major anxiety over security, ease-of-use, guest experience, and reliability, especially when you’re not on site.

The inescapable reality is that updating your hotel room locks is a considerable investment—and often done as little as once a decade. It’s critical to your operation to make sure that you get it right.

With an overwhelming number of different locks, gadgets, and new systems on the market, making the right choice for your hotel can be a challenge. At Operto, we’re experts in making sure your systems are super-connected, modern, accessible, and work for you – and your hotel door safety locks are no different.

To help, we’ve picked some of our favourite super-connected, super-secure, electronic door safety locks.

All of them partner with a variety of centralized PMS hubs and app-connected systems—including the Operto Connect system —to help you choose the most up-to-date, convenient, reliable, easy-to-use, and safe locks for you, your hotel, and your guests.

Save money on keyless access by upgrading your locks without changing the hardware.

Learn more about Operto Boost.

Enhancing your smart lock system.

Mobile keys vs key cards vs keypads

Before you decide what kind of key your hotel’s new doors will have, it’s important to set goals and understand expectations. What are you hoping to achieve? If you’re looking to stay ‘business as usual’, you might be looking into hotel electronic door lock systems that use key cards. While plastic magstripe keycards might be the cheapest form of room access, it doesn’t provide added value or ROI to hotels. It means you’ll need staff on-site, so operating expenses stay high.

 

Mobile keys might be a popular form of keyless entry and hotel automation, but they’re often not an adequate alternative, especially if your goal is to reduce operating expenses. For one, phone batteries can die. Second, older generations are still not comfortable depending on their phones for entering their rooms. Both options mean you’ll still need staff at the front desk “just in case”.

 

Finally, smart locks with keypads provide a keyless experience that can work without a phone or a key. It provides the most secure form of access for hotels while allowing them to start their digital transformation into a modern-day form of operations.

 

 

The reason we advocate for keypad locks is that they are the only form of guest entry that is foolproof, thus not requiring any fallback check-in option. When using a keycard or a mobile key solution, you rely on an app. Unfortunately, most guests don’t want to use an app, whether due to lack of smartphone literacy, app fatigue, unintuitive user experience, their batteries dies or they run out of data. Most of the time, 85% of people will steer clear of any app download. 

 

Typical fallback options we hear about before switching to Operto include:

 

  • 24/7 front desk (which really only viable in large properties)
  • Lockboxes for every single room containing a keycard. Guests call you to request the lockbox code when they arrive.
  • On-call staff that lives nearby and are available to drive out and meet clients 24/7 (not a great guest or staff experience)
With a standard key card or mobile key experience—a fully automated property is simply not possible. That’s why we recommend keypad locks.
 

Best hotel locks for 2023. Fully compatible with Operto Connect.

Regardless of your safety lock for hotel door requirements, there’s something in this list to suit your needs – all of which can integrate with the Operto Connect platform and it’s suite of hospitality efficiency products.

Salto KS

Salto locks use the Salto KS cloud-based smart lock system, which can be used via its own app or the Operto YourKey Mobile key – the companion app for Operto Guest

Pricing

At request from Salto via its website.

Features

Many different sizes and designs in the range, with a series of material and color options to suit your needs. Slim and discreet designs. Uses Bluetooth and NFC technology. 

Pros

Salto offers different types of locks in this range, with very clear options for different countries, which is great for international hotel groups. Slim design works on narrower door frames. Easy to install on any kind of door. Always able to open from the inside for extra guest peace of mind. Highly-customizable online via Salto’s website, from finish to technology to handle style and more.

Cons

The design could appear clunky to some. Only one of the models has a keypad; only one does not have a lever handle. Whether this works for you really depends on your guests, and how you’re using Operto to connect all your devices together. For some, this will be fine.

Review

A highly-modern security lock available in an almost endless array of styles and finishes, with the option to have a standalone SVN data-on-card technology, Wi-Fi, or third-party integrations. 

Salto XS4

Pricing

At request from Salto via its website.

Features

Many different sizes and designs in the range, with a series of material and color options to suit your needs. Slim and discreet designs. Uses Bluetooth and NFC technology. 

Pros

Salto offers different types of locks in this range, with very clear options for different countries, which is great for international hotel groups. Slim design works on narrower door frames. Easy to install on any kind of door. Always able to open from the inside for extra guest peace of mind. Highly-customizable online via Salto’s website, from finish to technology to handle style and more.

Cons

The design could appear clunky to some. Only one of the models has a keypad; only one does not have a lever handle. Whether this works for you really depends on your guests, and how you’re using Operto to connect all your devices together. For some, this will be fine.

Review

A highly-modern security lock available in an almost endless array of styles and finishes, with the option to have a standalone SVN data-on-card technology, Wi-Fi, or third-party integrations. 

Assa Abloy Vingcard Allure

VingCard Allure is a highly innovative electronic locking solution with a unique, flexible design

Assa Abbloy Allure and Operto Smart locks for hotels

Pricing

Given upon request.

Features

Ideal for new constructions, the Assa Abloy Vingcard Allure is based on the VingCard’s RFID locking platform. It’s mobile-access compatible and has customizable wall panels where you can leave your hotel logo or illustrations. It includes an illuminated room number option with 16 selectable LED light themes.

Pros

It’s compatible with RFID technology and gives designers freedom of choice.

Cons

It’s a mobile key, which presents all the fallback requirements we listed above.

Review

Good option if you’re building your hotel from scratch and want a mobile key option. Best if you plan to keep your front desk staff.

Yale Linus® Smart Lock

The Yale Linus® Smart LockThe Yale Linus® Smart Lock

Pricing

 From $303

Features

Can be accessed remotely. Available in black or silver. Sleek, discreet design that is invisible from the front—yet still functions like a proper smart lock, including integrating perfectly with Operto Connect. Biometric verification, “Hide Entry Codes” feature, two-factor authentication, two-layer encryption, and lost-phone disablement. Biometric identification feature will use your phone’s built-in authentication tools to prompt fingerprint or facial recognition before you can unlock or lock your home remotely.They also have 2-factor authentication: Yale Access account is protected by 2- factor authentication meaning that users will be required to verify their identity with either an email or phone number.

Pros

Linus® is easy to use and can be installed within minutes on almost every door. Allowing for keyless access, the auto unlock functionality will open the door as you approach and lock it automatically as you leave. You can even grant temporary access to family & friends! Linus® also features DoorSense™ technology which will tell you if the door is closed or if anything unexpected happens, like it being left ajar. The smart lock can be controlled remotely for extra peace of mind. Featuring integrations with voice assistants, smart lighting, home share and hosting platforms, Linus® offers a seamless user experience.

Cons

Not many, other than that professional installation costs extra with Yale (unless you get it 0% financed with us). However, this is common.

Review

Whether it’s used for short-term rentals or holiday cottages, small BnBs or huge hospitality brands, the automated operations from Operto integrated with the Linus® Smart Lock will free up guests and property managers time, offering them a secure and seamless rental experience.

Want to see how you can connect Yale locks to your PMS through Operto? Click here to get a demo.

Learn more about Operto Connect.

Yale nexTouch Series

The nexTouch Sectional Mortise Keypad Lock, part of the Yale nexTouch Series (Image: Yalecommercial.com) The nexTouch Sectional Mortise Keypad Lock, part of the Yale nexTouch Series (Image: Yalecommercial.com)

Pricing

Contact Yale directly via its website form.

Features

Can manage up to 500 keycodes. Some are offered in a variety of sleek designs and colors, from brass to bronze, chrome, and black. Privacy mode can be enabled from inside, and the keypad deactivates for 180 seconds after five failed entry attempts, ensuring better security.

Pros

Specially designed for commercial settings. Made with material that is especially easy to clean—such as stainless steel or clear coated finishes—in high-traffic, commercial spaces with normal cleaning materials. Weather-resistant for outdoor use and temperatures between 40°F to 140°F (-40°C to 60°C) at 95% humidity.

Cons

Uses batteries and requires a 9V battery as a backup if the power fails. Not Wi-Fi-connected unless upgraded.

Review

As its name suggests, the nexTouch series is designed for the post-Covid world and is made from material that is easy to clean, and that stays clean for longer, touch after touch. The range has enough variety to suit all doors and is designed to withstand outdoor use—perfect for hotels with external doors, or especially rural locations.

The Yale Access App

In-Depth

All of the Yale lock series and locks listed above are compatible with the Yale Access app, which allows guests to open and close locks – and enables you to set access – with a touch of your phone. The app even allows automatic entry and locking via Bluetooth, and offers a history of activity for extra peace of mind. 

 

But Operto Connect™’s online platform goes much further than a lock-unlock app, so guests—and you—can have 24/7 easy smartphone access for all aspects of your rental, and keep watch over the entire system.

 

It also connects to smart assistants such as Siri, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant, making the lock voice-activated too; and also integrates with platforms such as Airbnb and HomeAway, to enable hosts to offer secure and automated check-in and check-out.

Yale, SmartThings and Operto Connect

The Yale Assure locks series can also connect to the SmartThings app, which offers a truly “smart home” experience. 

 

SmartThings can connect to tools such as Google Nest—for temperature and light control—and mundane-but-necessary functions such as opening the garage door, setting washing machines, and putting timers on electric plugs. 

This means it enables guests to use extra cool features such as setting the coffee machine to prepare a freshly-brewed mug as soon as they wake up—while you can continue monitoring how your guests are doing overall through the wider Operto Connect system.

Igloohome smart locks and lock boxes

Pricing

From $236 for keypad locks

Features

 A wide variety of styles, e.g. for doors, outhouses, etc due to door-mounted and padlock-style locks. Can be used with a smartphone, keypad, RFID tags, or traditional keys.

Pros

Does not require an Internet connection or Bluetooth connection to work or for PIN codes to be granted. Protects against hacking using its own AlgoPIN system. Guests do not need to download an app (but one can be used if you choose). Uses a “One Time Password OTP” similar to banks, and codes can be sent via WhatsApp, SMS, and more. Biometric access on some models. Integration with platforms such as Airbnb and Booking.com. Weatherproof from -4°F to 129°F (-20°C to 54°C).

Cons

The lockbox option does not solve problems inherent with keys (e.g. loss, theft). Limited customization available. All have keycode pads – the basic models do not have a “no-code” option. Higher costs for some fancier models. Requires AA Alkaline batteries.

Review

Igloohome offers the most-varied array of smart locks on this list, with solutions to fit almost every lock, door style, or access needs – as long as you are happy to provide keypad codes – and is the only truly “smart” lock here that can be accessed remotely without Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.

Operto Guest Technologies

Modern hotel and vacation rental lock technology platform.

Pricing

From $15 / unit or room

Features

Offers a range of different smart lock hardware and provides the software that integrates with your PMS. Guests have their own portal which they can use to find the code to unlock the door (generated with each booking).

Plus, owners and team members all have their own portals and codes, so you can always see who’s been in and out and when. Best of all, we have an entire team that’s there with you. Transitioning to keyless comes with its hiccups, and we’re here to partner with you through it all.

Benefits

Removes the need for front desk staff, long wait times, crowded hotel lobbies. Plus, we don’t just give you the new locks and send you on your way. We provide you with the software that integrates with your PMS and personal human support to help you on your way.

Some key things to remember.

A modern hotel door safety lock is not just a fancy keypad. Each comes with it’s own unique benefits and potentially unseen liabilities depending on your business’s unique needs and existing infrastructure. 

Make sure your locks are connected to the rest of your technology.

Using a set-up such as our Operto Connect software, you can actually connect many smart door locks to a central system—so that you can control and keep watch on locks remotely in case of emergency, or simply for ease of use wherever you are.

Platforms like Operto can even connect your lock to check on the security and operation of other features, such as your guest’s room energy control and guest room noise monitoring.

 

Guests can also use the system to find crucial details such as WiFi password, temperature of the room, and who to contact if they have any questions. It’s seamless, frees up your front desk – and operational stress.

No more costly keycards

In an instant, the usual security issues with traditional keys—and even RFID cards—are no longer a factor. No more risk of keys or cards being lost, stolen, or accidentally locked in the room (which also means you can make a serious saving on the costs of replacement). No more issues with random demagnetization of cards. No more insecure, rickety lockboxes. No more need to have paid staff sitting at Reception all day “just in case”

Security codes and room safety

Smart locks also mean that key codes can be changed once guests have checked out and can be set to allow only trusted housekeeping staff to enter. Notifications to your phone or other devices mean that you know which stage of the process your rental is at throughout – from check-in to check-out, cleaning, and when it’s turned around ready for new guests.

Mobile keys are a game changer, but not always critical

Some new locks don’t even need a smartphone, Bluetooth, or an Internet connection to work—making them perfect for guests whose phone batteries are dead, international guests with phones that don’t work overseas; or for exciting, super-remote, off-grid locations.

Keeping your locks online and connected

Many of the locks on this list even have backup sources of power, meaning that they remain secure even in the event of batteries running low, power going out, or Wi-Fi disconnecting. Most work along the same lines as a traditional, heavy-duty hotel door lock—with the added security of being connected, enabling you to check or secure them remotely, at the touch of a button

The hospitality touch point you can’t afford to get wrong.

There’s no denying smart hotel door lock technology has come on in leaps and bounds in the past few years, making a connected system a smart choice – literally! – for your next hotel door lock revamp.

There’s no denying smart hotel door lock technology has come on in leaps and bounds in the past few years, making a connected system a smart choice – literally! – for your next hotel door lock revamp.

 

With a wide range of styles, systems, platforms, and prices, smart locks are no longer the preserve of hotel owners with enormous budgets or only those with inaccessibly-high-tech set-ups.

 

Using systems such as Operto Connect™ to integrate these hotel lock options with your existing PMS makes this kind of hyper-connected, highly-controlled, remote-access technology available to all hotel owners, no matter your business style or size.

 

And the Operto Connect™ system is not just a fancy check-in and check-out monitor—as well as smart locks, it also connects to a range of other trusted partner devices, allowing you to keep track of settings such as climate control, heat, and noise.

 

This means that you can both keep guests happy and save money, by ensuring a rental is cozy in winter and cool in summer, turning the lights and heat off when not needed, and keeping track of the status of potentially-costly and important installations such as boilers, thermostats, and air conditioner units.

Operto Connect™ links everything, including the Netatmo noise monitoring system, which can help you check on noise levels—whether your guests have rowdy kids or a fun party is getting a little out of hand—and take the most appropriate action to keep everyone happy.

 

Long story short, our system is the closest thing to being there…without you actually having to be there.

From check-in to check-out, it’s clear that finding the right hotel lock for your business—and connecting it to everything else needed to run your rental smoothly—is key (pun very much intended).

Not sure which lock is right for your hotel or vacation rental?

Tell us more about your hotel so we can see whether Operto would be a good fit.