Bye Bye Key Cards...

Two of Holiday Inn have officially started letting guests use their iPhone, Blackberry or Android smart phone as a 21st-Century room key, enabling customers to bypass the front desk.

So how does it work? How does the door lock accept a key from a mobile phone? Below is a brief explanation. Better yet, check out the video below from Holiday Inn Express Houston Downtown Convention Center.

1. Upon arrival at your room, you’ll simply dial our MobileKey 866 phone number (it will be provided to you via SMS/e-mail and will be posted all over the hotel).

2. When you are validated, you will hear an audible key (listen for the “turkey gobble” on the video below).

3. Hold your phone close to the CAC module on the top of the lock, and if your key is valid for that room at that time, the lock will open… simple as that!
-IHG