Hotel group Accor has announced the start of a global roll-out of digital room keys as guests increasingly seek a contactless stay in light of the Covid pandemic.
The roll-out of Accor Key will start in all new hotels opening in 2021 and extend to existing properties with an objective to equip 500 hotels this year, and at least 50 per cent of all rooms across the network within the next five years.
On arrival at their hotel, guests will receive their room key virtually through Accor’s digital key app which will give access to rooms, meeting rooms and lifts. On departure, the mobile key will be automatically deactivated.
Floor Bleeker, Accor’s chief information officer, said: “We always strive to adopt technology which can improve the overall guest experience. Guests increasingly seek contact-light travel and hotel experiences. Therefore, the easy-to-operate and highly practical application will provide a streamlined process for our guests.”
The Accor Key programme will be delivered through a partnership with STAYmyway.
Faustino Fernandez, STAYmyway’s founder & CEO said: "A recent Deloitte study shows that 60 per cent of travellers are more likely to stay at a hotel that allowed contactless check in and the ability to use a smartphone as a room key – 16 per cent even say it’s a 'must have'. The demand is even higher for frequent travellers."