Smart Locks vs. Traditional Locks: Which Is Right for Your Hotel?

Hotel security is evolving. Traditional keycards and door locks have been industry standards for decades. Still, smart door locks are set to revolutionize the hospitality industry, especially for hoteliers looking to improve guest experience and streamline operations.

So, which is the better fit for your hotel? The answer depends on your property’s needs, budget, and guest expectations. Let’s compare smart and traditional locks to help you make the right decision.

How Do Smart Door Locks Work?

Smart door locks use digital access technology, offering a more secure, convenient, and efficient way to manage hotel room access. Instead of relying on physical keys that can be lost or copied, smart locks provide multiple entry options, making check-ins seamless for guests and reducing operational burdens for hotel staff.

Here’s how smart door locks function in a hotel environment:

• Mobile Apps – Guests receive a digital key on their smartphone, allowing them to unlock their room via Bluetooth or NFC (Near Field Communication). This eliminates the need for front-desk interactions, enabling a contactless check-in experience.
• Keypad Entry – Unique PIN codes can be assigned to each guest, which expires after their stay. This ensures enhanced security, as lost or stolen codes become unusable once a guest checks out. It also allows for self-service check-ins, reducing staff workload.
• RFID or Bluetooth Keycards – Unlike traditional magstripe keycards that can be demagnetized or easily cloned, RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) and Bluetooth keycards offer a more secure, tap-to-unlock alternative. These keycards can also be programmed remotely and deactivated instantly if lost.
• Remote Access Control – With cloud-based smart lock systems, hotel staff can manage all room access from a centralized dashboard. Staff can grant or revoke access instantly for guests, staff, and housekeeping and lock or unlock doors remotely, reducing the need for on-site staff intervention.

How Do Traditional Hotel Locks Work?

Traditional hotel locks, which rely on physical keys or keycards to control room access, have been the industry staple. They offer simplicity and familiarity for both guests and staff but require manual key management, increasing security risks and operational inefficiencies.

Here’s how traditional locks function in a hotel environment:

• Metal Keys – These locks require a metal key to open the door and are still used in many boutique hotels and budget accommodations, such as capsule hotels. While they are simple and reliable, they pose significant challenges, including security risks and the potential for being lost.
• Magstripe Keycards – A step up from metal keys, magnetic stripe (magstripe) keycards work by swiping the card through a reader on the door. These are common in hotels with legacy electronic lock systems. The common drawback of this setup is Demagnetization – cards often stop working if placed near a phone or credit card.   
• RFID Keycards—Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) keycards are a more secure alternative to magstripe cards and metal keys. Instead of swiping, guests simply tap or wave their cards over the reader. Due to their durability and keyless entry, RFID cards are widely used in mid-range luxury hotels.