Keyless hotel door locks: Brands, features, costs

Keyless hotel door locks use Wi-Fi or Bluetooth and, most often, the guest’s personal smart device, to provide guests with access so they can head straight to their rooms on arrival without any waiting time at the front desk. 

Unlike with traditional keycard systems, Bluetooth door lock technology provides you with a remote access management solution that’s intuitive for guests, matching their in-app experiences in the workplace and at home.    

This type of system allows you to reduce your team’s workload and cut down on staff as your guests bypass the front desk. We explore how this independent check-in process works and how it boosts the guest experience later in the article.  

Here you can see an overview of the typical costs associated with some of the most recognized brands of keyless hotel door locks:

*Based on https://www.gokeyless.com/ and https://www.sdslondon.co.uk/ pricing at the time of publication.

Please note that this is not an extensive list, pricing may be subject to change, and there are other highly reputable keyless lock brands you can consider, like Onity and Saflok.

Factors that influence the cost of keyless hotel door lock installation

In addition to the high initial cost of keyless locks, there are often additional expenses that follow. Here we look at all the factors you need to consider before switching out your access control systems.

The installation process

One of the main expenses involved with buying new locks is the cost of hiring maintenance staff to install them. This usually amounts to between $150 and $250 per lock. Plus, if there isn’t a certified installation network in your area, there may be a higher charge for expenses as part of the installation service.

Note: Operto Boost is so easy to install that your team can handle it themselves. You’ll just need to insert a chip inside your existing lock in a process that usually takes less than 15 minutes.

Recurring maintenance costs

There’s often a recurring fee for the access software and for the maintenance of your physical locks. 

The first is a cost you’ll be committed to for as long as you want to use the mobile key feature, which is integral to delivering a digital guest experience. Meanwhile, the monthly maintenance fee is optional but in most cases recommended, since many traditional locksmiths don’t work with smart locks.

Meeting fire inspection requirements 

When you implement a new lock, you have to evaluate whether the entire door will still pass fire inspections. Fire codes might have changed in the time since you fitted it, and you’ll need to assess every part from the door handle to the hinges. And, if there are several issues, you could have to replace the entire door.

Supply chain delays 

Supply chain issues, stemming from disruptions during the pandemic, continue to have an impact on sourcing materials and delivery backlogs. As a result, you may need to wait three to six months for your new locks to arrive.

While you wait to swap out your hardware, some maintenance costs can change, which makes budgeting more complicated. Also, once you’ve placed an order, the waiting time is out of your hands. In most cases, this won’t present a huge problem, but it can also cause unforeseen interruptions depending on when your high season is. 

Integrated guest experience solution

It’s not just direct installation costs you have to think about when choosing new locks. To manage access and self check-in, you’ll need a guest experience solution that integrates with them. Most providers offer this, but many of their apps are unbranded and don’t provide much in terms of guest experience. And this may mean you have to pay for a third-party solution. 

When you upgrade your locks with Operto Boost, on the other hand, you gain access to our integrated, branded guest experience platform, Operto Guest. This gives your guests flexibility, control, and a streamlined digital experience. 

Upon booking, your guests will be sent a link to the web app. From here, they will:

• Be guided through the check-in process
• Verify their ID and complete payment of your security deposit
• Gain access to their mobile key
• Be able independently access their room on arrival