2025 Guide in Choosing Hotel Door Lock Systems
Today, the landscape of hotel lock systems is set to evolve significantly, driven by advancements in smart technology and increasing guest expectations. As hotels aim for enhanced security and improved guest experience, technology such as Bluetooth Low Energy and sensor integration are becoming essential.
Wondering how to choose? This article will explain the different types of door lock systems and popular models and provide some recommendations.
Types of Hotel Door Lock Systems
The latest hotel lock technologies provide a variety of features tailored to different property needs. Here are the types of hotel door locks that will define the future of the hospitality industry.
Mobile Access Locks (Mobile Keys)
Mobile keys enable guests to unlock their rooms using their smartphones. The Mobile key uses a digital key securely stored within the hotel’s mobile app, removing the need for traditional keys and keycards. Some systems even allow guests to check in remotely, receive their digital room key, and access their rooms without stopping at the front desk.
💡Why Most Hotels Love Them:
- Eliminates lost keycards
- Enhances online self-check-ins
- Improves security by encrypting mobile credentials
- Contactless access, aligning with hygiene and convenience trends
- Enables personalized guest experiences
- Allows hotel staff to assign or revoke digital keys instantly
RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) Locks
💡 Why Most Hotels Love Them:
- Encrypted security to prevent unauthorized duplication
- Fast and seamless check-in experience for guests
- Reduced wear and tear compared to magnetic stripe cards
- Compatible with mobile access solutions, enhancing flexibility
- Customizable access permissions for different guest levels
PIN Code or Keypad Locks
Pin code locks use a unique PIN code into a keypad to unlock the door. Big hotel brands still prefer these locks because of the simple and effective access control system that is still enterprise PMS, such as Oracle. Many keypad locks are programmable, allowing hotels to issue temporary codes that expire after a guest’s stay, ensuring security remains tight.
💡 Why Most Hotels Love Them:
- No physical key or card required, reducing the risk of lost or stolen keys
- Great for self-check-in properties, enabling guests to access their rooms independently
- Easy to reset after guest checkout, enhancing security
- Enterprise PMS integration
- Can be used alongside mobile and RFID locks for multi-access functionality
Biometric Locks (Fingerprint & Facial Recognition)
Biometric Locks allow Guests to unlock doors using fingerprint scanning or facial recognition, providing a keyless and highly secure access method. These locks utilize biometric sensors that store unique guest identifiers, ensuring only authorized individuals can enter their rooms. Some advanced models even offer multi-factor authentication, combining biometric verification with a secondary method like a PIN code or mobile access for added security.
💡 Why Most Hotels Love Them:
- Biometric data that cannot be easily replicated
- Futuristic experience, appealing to tech-savvy travelers
- Reduces touchpoints, improving hygiene and reducing the spread of germs
Magnetic Stripe Card Locks (Magstripe)
Magnetic stripe cards allow guests to swipe through a reader on the door lock to gain access. The system verifies the encoded data on the card and unlocks the door if the credentials are valid. These locks were once the standard in the hotel industry but are now being phased out due to advancements in security technology.
💡 Why Most Hotels Love Them:
- Affordable and widely available – a cost-effective option for boutique and budget hotels
- Simple to use for guests, as they work like traditional credit or debit card readers
- Compatible with older hotel management systems, reducing the need for significant infrastructure upgrades
- Easily replaceable
Smart Card Locks
Smart card locks use contactless smart cards with microchips that store encrypted access credentials. These locks communicate with the door reader via RFID or NFC technology, allowing guests to unlock doors simply by tapping or holding their card near the reader. Some advanced models also support multi-factor authentication, combining smart cards with PIN codes or biometrics for enhanced security.
💡 Why Most Hotels Love Them:
- More secure than basic RFID cards, as encrypted microchips prevent duplication
- Can store guest preferences and data, personalizing guest experiences
- Works seamlessly with mobile and digital access systems, enabling hybrid access solutions
- Durable and long-lasting, reducing frequent key replacements
- Programmable for different access levels, allowing staff and guests to have customized entry permissions
- Energy-efficient solutions available, such as smart cards that power up the reader only when presented
- Can be integrated with hotel loyalty programs, offering seamless access to exclusive amenities and services
Hybrid Hotel Locks
Hybrid hotel locks are unique locks that combine multiple access systems, including RFID, PIN codes, mobile access, and biometric entry, into a single system. This flexibility allows hotels to cater to different guest preferences and operational needs. These locks can integrate with hotel management software, enabling real-time monitoring, remote access control, and guest authentication.
💡 Why Most Hotels Love Them:
- Maximum flexibility and convenience, allowing guests to choose their preferred access method
- Enhanced security features, as multiple authentication options reduce unauthorized entry risks
- Seamless integration with smart hotel systems, including mobile check-in and automated room settings
- Customizable for different guest levels, such as VIP access, staff entry, and restricted zones
- Future-proof technology, ensuring hotels can adapt to evolving security trends and guest expectations
- Improved accessibility, making it easier for guests with disabilities to access their rooms with alternative entry options
BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) locks
BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) locks work by reading information transmitted via a Bluetooth signal. They can help you to meet modern guest expectations by making it possible for people to enter without a physical key. However, upfront costs can be expensive, making it difficult for many boutique hotels to transition over.
However, with the latest cutting-edge technology, BLE connectivity is accessible even to small independent hotels. We explore this further in the next section.
💡 Why Most Hotels Love Them:
- Offers encryption for security with the built-in biometric systems of mobile phones
- Enhances the guest experience by reducing front-desk workload.
Top Hotel Door Lock Brands in 2025
As hotels modernize their security infrastructure, some brands distinguish themselves with cutting-edge technology, reliability, and seamless integration with property management systems. Here are the top hotel lock brands leading the market:
1. ASSA ABLOY Hospitality
ASSA ABLOY is a global leader in access control, known for its cutting-edge security solutions that integrate RFID, mobile access, and biometric authentication into a seamless system. Their products are widely used by major hotel chains worldwide due to their outstanding reliability, scalability, and ease of integration with property management systems.
Their top product, ASSA ABLOY’s VingCard series, has revolutionized hotel security by introducing cloud-based access control and Bluetooth-enabled smart locks. Their dedication to sustainability, innovation, and enhanced guest convenience makes them a top choice for hotels seeking to upgrade their security infrastructure. Additionally, their advanced AI-driven security features enable predictive analytics, which help reduce unauthorized access risks and improve hotel operational efficiency.
2. Dormakaba
Dormakaba is a leading name in hotel security, renowned for its innovative RFID and mobile access locks and its cloud-based hotel lock systems. These locks streamline hotel operations by minimizing manual key management, enhancing security, and ensuring a seamless guest experience. dormakaba’s solutions easily integrate with property management systems, offering real-time access control, remote management, and AI-driven security features that can detect anomalies and optimize safety.
Additionally, dormakaba’s durable and stylish lock designs cater to hotels that prioritize functionality and aesthetics, making them a preferred choice for modern and luxury hospitality brands.
3. Schlage
Allegion’s Schlage brand is well-known for its smart encrypted locks and multi-factor authentication solutions, making it a top choice for hotels prioritizing security. Schlage’s innovative lock systems integrate smoothly with hotel property management systems, enabling remote access control, real-time monitoring, and AI-driven security enhancements.
Their solutions include biometric authentication, mobile key access, and tamper-resistant technology, ensuring that hotels can provide a seamless yet highly secure guest experience. With a strong reputation for durability and reliability, Schlage locks are suitable for both budget and luxury hotels looking to improve their security infrastructure without sacrificing ease of use.
4. Onity
Onity is a global leader in electronic hotel locks, known for its DirectKey mobile access system that allows keyless entry via guests’ smartphones. This technology reduces the need for physical keycards, minimizing environmental waste and improving operational efficiency.
Their smart locks integrate with property management systems (PMS) and mobile check-in solutions, providing a seamless experience for guests and staff. Focusing on advanced encryption, real-time access control, and cloud-based security updates, Onity is a trusted choice for contactless hospitality.
5. SALTO Systems
SALTO is a leader in cloud-based access control, providing hotels with wireless, smart, and customizable keyless entry solutions supporting mobile and RFID access. What sets SALTO apart is its scalability and adaptability, making it an excellent choice for boutique hotels and large-scale resorts.
The SALTO KS (Keys as a Service) platform allows hotels to manage access remotely, reducing the need for on-site key management. Additionally, SALTO offers real-time data tracking and AI-driven security enhancements that give hoteliers valuable insights into guest movements and access patterns. Renowned for their sleek design, durability, and seamless integration with Property Management Systems (PMS), SALTO locks are perfect for properties looking to enhance security and the guest experience in a highly connected hospitality environment.
The Bottom Line
Upgrading your hotel’s locks with options like RFID, mobile access, PIN codes, biometrics significantly improves safety, guest convenience, and operational efficiency.
Furthermore, improving hotel door lock systems will be crucial as the demand for contactless and smart hospitality rises.
Frequently asked questions
Hotels can use electronic and digital door locks to secure their buildings. These will integrate with an online of offline access control system to allow hotel owners to provide access to guests and teams as they navigate through buildings and outdoor areas.
Robust door locks are an essential part of any hotel’s security system. Well-integrated locks with BLE connectivity also facilitate contactless room access which boosts guest satisfaction, providing increased independence and less pressure on your staff.
The best hotel door lock depends on your hotel's size, security needs, and budget. Mobile key locks and RFID key card locks are among the most preferred options.
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