An Essential Guide to Keyless Entry For Vacation Rentals
“How do I get the keys?” is often the first question a guest asks after booking and the first hurdle they encounter when they arrive.
Anyone who’s run a vacation rental knows that organizing that handover with physical keys can be a real source of stress. They can get lost, locked inside, or even stolen or copied.
If you’re still using physical keys, you’re missing out on the benefits of short-term rental tech and keyless entry, which improves security and simplifies the arrival process for guests and your team.
Table of Contents
1. What is keyless entry?
2. How much does keyless entry cost?
3. What are the pros of keyless entry for vacation rentals?
4. What are the cons of keyless entry for vacation rentals?
5. Keyless entry for vacation rentals: Is it right for you?
6. Frequently Asked Questions
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What is keyless entry?
Keyless entry for vacation rentals allows guests to access your property without traditional physical keys. Instead, they use alternatives like smartphone-based mobile keys or PIN codes to unlock doors.
A keyless entry system typically uses a motorized “smart lock,” connected to a digital network via Bluetooth or the Internet. Property managers can monitor and control access remotely, offering more convenience than physical keys and eliminating the need for in-person key exchanges.
There are various benefits to using keyless entry, including:
- Self check-in: Guests can enter properties without in-person staff, enhancing satisfaction and reducing operational costs.
- Remote monitoring: Property managers can monitor access in real-time and change codes or revoke access when necessary.
- Increased flexibility: Guests don’t have to wait for a staff member to access the property—once they arrive, they can they can go straight in at their convenience.
- Unique access codes: Each guest and team member can receive a unique access code to ensure security.
- Enhanced efficiency: Pairing keyless entry with a tool like Operto allows you to view all reservations, activity logs, lock status, and battery levels. Access codes and mobile keys are automatically generated and sent to guests, and activated based on check-in and check-out times
How much does keyless entry cost?
The price of keyless entry installation can vary depending on the locks you choose (the price of a keyless lock can be as low as $150) and the service you need.
Many smart locks can be installed on your existing doors, and in some cases, can be installed over your existing deadlocks, making changes minimal in terms of time and cost. Most smart locks can also use your existing WiFi and Bluetooth networks and don’t require additional systems or complex wiring.
Though keyless entry smart locks may involve higher upfront costs than traditional locks, the long-term benefits including reduced staffing needs, fewer security concerns, no lost keys, and happier guests, lead to overall savings.
What are the pros of keyless entry for vacation rentals?
Keyless entry for vacation rentals solves many of the challenges associated with traditional keys, offering significant advantages for property managers, staff, and guests.
These include:
- Immediate access and independence for guests. Guests gain seamless access to the property with 24/7 check-in as there’s no need to meet staff in person or arrive at a set time.
- Better security, since only authorized guests and staff can enter with unique access codes or mobile keys. If a security problem arises, you can instantly change the code remotely.
- No need for staff or you to wait around to supply keys. You can efficiently manage more properties with less staff, meaning greater efficiency and lower costs.
- Connectivity through a central system such as Operto. This allows you to easily keep track of reservations, access, and unit status.
- Remote control of access. With keyless access, property managers can control and monitor entry remotely, allowing oversight from anywhere.
- Happier guests. When you give your guests a smooth, independent arrival, you set them up for an enjoyable, frictionless stay.
Keyless entry by itself can be a powerful tool for your business. But when connected with centralized systems such as Operto, keyless entry is just the first step in the much larger process of seamlessly managing your vacation rental. Integrating keyless entry with your property management system (PMS) and broader operations and guest experience software like Operto enhances the efficiency of your operations and the entire guest journey.
And with Operto Guest, guests receive a white-labeled, web-based app immediately after booking. This provides essential stay information such as unique entry details, verification, WiFi details, guidebooks with important property information and curated local recommendations, and upsell opportunities.
By giving your guests this information up front, they gain more independence and control over their stay, reducing questions and saving you time on communication. Operto also helps you keep track of bookings, cleaning, check-in, and check-out — providing full oversight without manual effort. This creates a seamless experience, allowing you to manage multiple units effortlessly — all starting with keyless entry.
What are the cons of keyless entry for vacation rentals?
When evaluating keyless entry, it’s important to consider the pros and cons to ensure it fits your business needs.
Here are some things to consider:
- Initial cost: Smart locks tend to be more expensive upfront than traditional locks. However, this cost can be quickly offset through savings on staffing and guest management.
- WiFi connectivity: Many keyless entry systems require WiFi to function, which can result in limitations if your properties are located in a remote area. In this case, you can choose a lock that works offline, like Igloohome’s devices.
- Learning curve for guests: Some guests might be confused by keyless locks when using one for the first time. Clear instructions can help mitigate this issue.
- Battery life: Some keyless entry systems require batteries to operate, which run out over time. To solve this, Operto sends an alert when the battery level dips below a certain threshold, giving you plenty of time to organize a replacement.
- Installation: Overhauling existing locks to keyless systems can take time and involve costs, but require minimal maintenance once installed. The installation cost is offset by savings from reduced staffing needs and increased operational efficiency. Another option is Operto Boost, which allows locks to be updated to Bluetooth functionality quickly and without the need for lock replacement.
Luckily, most locks are engineered to be as easy to use as possible, with almost no extra work from you once installed. And when you pair your smart lock with Operto, the experience is straightforward to navigate for everyone, from property managers and staff members to guests.
Keyless entry for vacation rentals: Is it right for you?
Implementing keyless entry in your vacation rental can be a game-changer for managing guest access, but is it the right fit for your properties? If you’re looking for a way to streamline operations and enhance guest experience, the answer is likely yes. Imagine giving your guests the freedom to check in anytime without the hassle of traditional key handovers. With keyless entry, guests can enjoy a seamless, contactless arrival, leading to higher satisfaction from the moment they arrive.
Not only does it offer guests the flexibility to check in on their own schedule, it reduces your workload significantly. No more coordinating key exchanges or worrying about lost or stolen keys. Plus, with remote access control, you can manage who enters your property from anywhere, boosting security and giving you peace of mind.
When integrated with a comprehensive solution like Operto, keyless entry becomes even more powerful. Operto automates access with unique, time-sensitive codes and real-time updates. This ensures access codes are generated, communicated, and installed automatically, freeing you from manual intervention and reducing human error. You also gain real-time visibility, improving security and operational efficiency.
Operto Guest provides further opportunities to delight guests by providing them with all essential stay information through a personalized web-based app. Guests can access their entry details, WiFi information, digital guidebooks, and upsells, enhancing their experience while reducing questions. This means happier guests, less time answering questions, and a seamless, independent check-in process.
Investing in keyless entry can lead to long-term savings through reduced staffing needs and operational costs. If you’re looking to elevate your rental management and delight your guests, keyless entry might just be the upgrade your business needs.
Monitor guest and staff access, noise levels, unit status, and more with Operto.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is keyless entry for vacation rentals?
Keyless entry allows guests to access your vacation rental without physical keys. Instead, they use a smartphone app, PIN code, or other digital method to unlock the door.
2. How does keyless entry improve guest experience?
Keyless entry offers guests the convenience of self-check-in, allowing them to arrive at any time without needing to meet staff. This flexibility leads to higher guest satisfaction.
3. Is keyless entry secure for vacation rentals?
Yes, keyless entry is often more secure than traditional keys. Each guest gets a unique code, which can be changed or revoked remotely, preventing unauthorized access.
4. What are the installation costs for keyless entry systems?
Installation costs vary depending on the type of smart lock. Basic models start at around $150, and most can be installed on existing doors without major modifications.
5. What if a guest has trouble using the keyless entry system?
Most keyless entry systems are user-friendly, but providing clear instructions can help guests who are unfamiliar with the technology. Additionally, support can often be provided remotely if issues arise.
6. Can I manage multiple properties with keyless entry?
Yes, with platforms like Operto, you can manage access for multiple properties from a single dashboard. You can automate code generation and monitor activity remotely.
7. How does keyless entry work with property management systems like Operto?
Keyless entry integrates with Operto to automate access control, generate and send unique codes or mobile keys, and provide real-time updates. Operto’s integration provides visibility into lock activity, battery levels, and access logs, simplifying operations across property portfolios and improving guest experiences.
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