Top 10 Reasons Why Guests Prefer Hotels with Digital Keys

Gone are the days of long check-in lines, misplaced key cards and awkward midnight lockouts. According to a 2023 report from Skift and Oracle Hospitality, nearly 60% of travelers prefer hotels that offer digital keys, citing benefits like faster check-in, improved safety and reduced environmental impact.

And these benefits are popular:  The global hotel mobile key market is projected to grow to US$5.8 billion by 2033.  Let’s review why travellers prefer hotels with digital keys and explore how Canary creates a more seamless guest experience.  

Key highlights:

 
• Hotels with digital keys use mobile-enabled technology that eliminates the need to get a physical key at the front desk.  
 
• Mobile access improves security by reducing lost or stolen key cards.
 
• Digital key systems support sustainability by removing the need for plastic cards.
 
• Canary’s Mobile Key provides an easy way for hotels to incorporate this technology.

What Is a Hotel Mobile Key?

A hotel mobile key is a digital version of a room key that guests use to unlock their hotel room and other secure areas throughout the property. Most hotel room key systems work through a dedicated hotel app or a digital wallet (like Apple Wallet or Google Wallet), giving guests secure access with just a tap.

Mobile key technology uses Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) or near-field communication (NFC) to communicate with smart locks on guestroom doors. These systems are integrated with a hotel’s property management system (PMS) for real-time syncing between reservations and key access.

10 Reasons Guests Prefer Digital Keys for Hotels

Digital keys modernize hotel operations and dramatically improve guest experience management. From smoother arrivals to smarter room access, mobile keys eliminate common travel headaches and create a more convenient, secure and personalized stay.

Below are 10 reasons why today’s travelers consistently choose hotels with digital key technology.

1. Faster Room Access Without Stopping at the Front Desk

After a long flight, a business traveler arrives just 45 minutes before a conference. With a mobile key, there’s no need to queue at the front desk. Instead, she heads straight to her room, freshens up and arrives at the event on time. Digital keys eliminate check-in delays and let guests start enjoying their stay immediately. Here’s how:

 
• Eliminates congestion at peak times, reducing lobby crowding and freeing up staff to take care of meaningful tasks  
 
• Improves the guest experience, according to 73% of travelers who told Oracle Hospitality that a fast and easy check-in process improves their overall satisfaction
 
• Reduces language barriers and confusion for international travelers at check-in

2. Instant, App-Free Door Unlocking with a Smart Device

A parent juggling bags, a stroller and three kids doesn’t need to search for a room key. With a mobile key stored in their Apple Wallet, they simply tap their phone or smartwatch to unlock the door. Using electronic door locks:

 
• Allows for instant access via Apple and Google wallets
 
• Means fewer support calls related to login issues or forgotten app passwords
 
• Reduces the friction associated a guest finding their keycard every time they need room access

3. No Risk of Lost, Broken or Demagnetized Keycards

Plastic keycards are easy to misplace or damage especially for guests on the move. With digital keys, a solo traveler headed to the beach doesn’t need to worry about keeping a keycard dry or safe; their phone is all they need. Using digital keycards:

 
• Reduces the average hotel spend of 50 cents per plastic keycard issued, according to Canary’s Ultimate Guide to Sustainability in Hospitality.
 
• Cuts time on front desk inquiries regarding lost key cards.
 
• Aligns sustainability-conscious hotels with Environmental, Social and Governance goals

4. Frictionless Check-In at Any Hour

Late-night arrivals no longer require extra coordination for hotels that aren’t staffed 24 hours. With mobile keys, a guest arriving at 2 a.m. walks right in and heads to their room. This means no staff intervention is needed and there are no front desk delays. This is a great benefit for:

 
• International travelers or guests arriving during non-peak hours
 
• Smaller hotels that can’t support 24/7 staffing
 
• Properties that need staff to focus on other tasks during off-peak times

5. Secure Access for Authorized Users

Need multiple keys for one booking? Mobile keys can be sent to multiple people so everyone in your party has access. Digital key sharing:

 
• Is secure and revocable
 
• Uses the same technology as digital wallets and bluetooth apps
 
• Prevents unauthorized individuals from accessing rooms with a found key

6. Single Device for Rooms and Hotel Amenities

Guests don’t want to juggle different keys for the gym, spa or pool. Mobile keys unify access. One smartphone grants entry to the room and all authorized hotel areas, making it easy to explore without interruptions by:

 
• Reducing front desk calls for amenity access
 
• Creating a more digitally unified experience
 
• Enhancing security throughout the property

7. Contactless Entry for Added Safety and Hygiene

Since the pandemic, many travelers prefer minimizing surface contact. In fact, 58% of guests in the previously mentioned Skift/Oracle study said contactless tech improves their perception of hotel cleanlines. With digital keys, you eliminate keycard exchanges and meet modern expectations around cleanliness. Going contactless means:

 
• Reducing the amount of physical touchpoints needed to be sanitized
 
• Minimizing surface contact throughout the hotel
 
• Aligning with brand standards for health-conscious travelers

8. Stronger Security with Encrypted, Revocable Credentials

Digital keys use encrypted technology that’s far harder to clone or misuse than magnetic keycards. If a phone is lost, access can be instantly revoked by the guest or hotel staff. There’s no more risk of old keys floating around. Instead:

 
• Staff controls who has access and for how long
 
• Hotels increase compliance with strict corporate travel security policies
 
• Guests feel safer knowing lost or stolen credentials can be disabled in real time

9. Consistent Access Across Rooms and Amenities

Multi-room bookings or room changes during extended stays don’t require multiple trips to the front desk with mobile keys. The front desk can easily make updates, ensuring access stays seamless no matter how plans evolve. This:

 
• Reduces guest frustration during upgrades or room swaps
 
• Cuts down on the amount of time staff spends on making new keys  
 
• Ensures uninterrupted access to amenities, even after a room change

10. Reliable Access Without Wi-Fi or Cellular Signal

Even in low-signal environments, like elevators or remote resort locations, digital keys that use NFC technology still work. Guests don’t need an internet connection to unlock their room if the key is already stored in their device wallet. This allows for:

 
• Better accessibility in any setting
 
• Increased security, even at properties like glamping sites or resorts  
 
• Peace of mind for guests who may be hesitant to try digital keys

Optimize Guest Satisfaction with Canary’s Mobile Key for Hotels

Hotels with digital keys are delivering convenience, but they’re also driving results. Canary’s Mobile Key helps properties reduce front desk workload, eliminates lost or demagnetized keys and boosts guest satisfaction scores. It integrates directly with your PMS and access control systems, which removes friction for both staff and travelers.

Hotels using Canary’s Mobile Keys combined with Mobile Check-In see fewer front desk lines, faster check-in times and measurable increases in core satisfaction. Core features include:

 
• Wallet integration: Delivers digital keys through Apple Wallet and Google Wallet so guests can access their room instantly from a phone or smartwatch.
 
• Easy updates: Keys can be easily updated by the front desk, ensuring guests always have access without waiting on staff.
 
• PMS + lock integration: Integrates directly with your PMS and access control system to generate, revoke and update keys.
 
• Secure access: Hotel staff can add and remove keys instantly to ensure there’s no unauthorized access.
 
• Offline functionality: NFC technology ensures key access works even without Wi-Fi or cellular service.

The result is faster check-ins, fewer complaints and more time to focus on what really matters: delivering exceptional service. Whether you operate a boutique hotel or manage a full-service property, Canary gives your team the tools to elevate every arrival.

Book a demo today and see how Canary’s mobile key for hotels can help your team create a seamless guest journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do digital hotel keys work?

Digital hotel keys unlock guests’ rooms using a smartphone or smartwatch instead of a plastic keycard. These keys:

 
• Use Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) or Near-Field Communication (NFC) to securely transmit a signal from the guest’s device to the smart lock on the door
 
• Are sent to your device’s Apple Wallet or Google Wallet
 
• Integrate directly with the hotel’s systems

What are the benefits of using digital keys for hotels?

Digital keys give guests the ability to bypass the front desk and access their room instantly. This streamlines arrival and eliminates common frustrations like lost cards or long lines after a flight.

For hotel teams, digital keys reduce front desk workload, cut down on keycard replacements and improve the flow of operations. The result is a faster, smoother arrival process that leads to higher satisfaction scores and stronger guest loyalty.

How do hotels with keyless entry improve security and safety for guests?

Hotels with digital key systems benefit from more advanced security than traditional methods. Mobile keys are encrypted, linked to guests and are deactivated at checkout, which prevents misuse or lingering access.

In addition, hotel staff can revoke or reassign keys in real time, giving them more control without needing to physically retrieve anything. With no risk of duplication or lost cards floating around, digital access significantly enhances guest safety.

How does a digital hotel key enhance the check-in process?

Digital keys eliminate the need for a physical visit to the front desk, allowing guests to head straight to their rooms after completing check-in. This speeds up arrival and removes common bottlenecks at the front desk, especially during peak hours.

For hotels, it means fewer touchpoints to manage and more time for staff to focus on high-value guest interactions. By turning check-in into a digital-first experience, hotels make a strong first impression while improving operational flow.

How long does it take to implement a digital hotel room key system?

Most properties can go live with a digital key system as soon as their smart locks are installed. The exact timeline depends on the hotel’s property management system and the compatibility of their existing locks, but it’s typically a smooth and low-disruption process.

Canary’s team provides hands-on support from integration to training, ensuring everything is up and running quickly. Once installed, the system gives both staff and guests a more streamlined experience.