You can gain access to your room, elevators, and other locked areas by simply tapping your phone against a card reader, thanks to the ability to add hotel room keys to the Wallet app on the iPhone and Apple Watch. The feature eliminates the need for a plastic room card.
Hyatt became the first hotel chain in the US to adopt the feature last month.
The Long Beach location was visited by Rich DeMuro to test the feature.
Hyatt guests can add their room key to the Wallet app and be notified when check-in time arrives using the Hyatt app. Once a guest is checked in and the room is ready, the room key in the Wallet app will be activated for immediate use and display the guest's room number and reservation length.
The feature was tested with Express Mode enabled and it was found that the iPhone does not need to be unlocked in order to be used as a hotel room key. In a split second, he was able to get into his room and the elevator. Users who prefer an added layer of security can have Express Mode disabled.
An automatic Power Reserve feature will allow the device to be used as a hotel key for up to five hours.
The hotel room keys in the Wallet app are both convenient and can be used with a card. If a Hyatt guest needs to change rooms, extend a stay, or request a late check out, the hotel can update the guest's room key in the Wallet app remotely, eliminating the need for the guest to visit the front desk. Guests can check out through the Hyatt app, and the room key will be remotely deactivated.
Hyatt plans to roll out hotel room keys in the Wallet app globally over time, but other hotel chains will likely follow suit, but the feature remains limited for now.
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