Starwood Preferred Guest members can now access a keyless room entry system through their smartphones. SPG Keyless is available for SPG members through the free SPG app. You can register up to three mobile devices for SPG Keyless through the app, as long as all three are registered separately. Mobile devices compatible with SPG Keyless are iPhone 4s and above running iOS8 and select Android devices running Flavor 4.3 and above. Additionally, users must adjust their mobile device settings to accept push notifications, and Bluetooth must be switched on to use the SPG Keyless feature.
With SPG Keyless, you are able to use your mobile device to check in, get your room number and unlock your guest room door. At some hotels, SPG members will be able to check in from your device and go straight to your room. Depending on the requirements of the local law in regards to verifying identity, some hotels will require members to stop by the front desk prior to check-in. In addition, members may be required to stop by the front desk in order to confirm qualification for certain discounted rates. Members will receive notification about the particular check-in requirements through the SPG app. Elite members will likely still want to stop by the front desk at check-in to check for availability of upgrades, late checkouts and to receive welcome amenities.
There are currently only 10 Starwood properties where the feature can be used: Aloft Beijing, Aloft Cancun, Aloft Cupertino, Aloft Harlem, W Doha, W Hollywood, W Hong Kong, W New York-Downtown, Element Times Square and W Singapore. Starwood plans to roll out the program to all Aloft, Element and W hotels and resorts in 2015.
The registration button for SPG Keyless is prominently displayed on the lower right side of the SPG app. Once you click the button to begin registration, you will be directed to a page that explains more about mobile check-in, security features, how to position your phone and provides simple step-by-step instructions on how to register your smartphone. In addition to registering your smartphone, in order for your stay to be eligible for the feature you must have a valid email address, a valid credit card and your stay must be for only one room that has been booked directly through a Starwood channel.
Once you have downloaded the app and registered for the feature, if your stay is eligible for SPG Keyless, you will receive a notification prompting you to get started, and when your room is ready, you will receive a notification to view your room number.
Opening the door is as simple as positioning your smartphone and waiting for the flashing green light to turn solid and the familiar sound of the door unlocking. We’re excited to see how this new technology develops and if the app will be enhanced to accommodate typical elite member requests. We like that the feature gives members an option for times when you really want to skip the line, such as when attending a large convention.
Rating (out of five stars): ****
