Hilton Worldwide has launched a ‘Digital Key’ feature for its HHonors app.
The new facility allows members of the Hilton Honors loyalty scheme to bypass check-in and access their room, as well as other areas of the hotel, directly via the app on their smartphones.
Hilton said by early 2016 loyalty members will be able to use the Digital Key to enter more than 170,000 rooms at 250 US properties within the Hilton Hotels and Resorts, Waldorf Astoria Hotels and Resorts, Conrad Hotels and Resorts and Canopy by Hilton brands.
Members can also select their room the day before arrival when digitally checking-in. The Digital Key is then made available as soon as the room is ready on the day of arrival.
Digital Key is currently only available on Apple iOS devices, but will make the transition to Android phones later this year, Hilton said.
Geraldine Calpin, Hilton Worldwide's senior vice president and global head of digital, said: "HHonors members can use digital check-in and room selection at more than 4,100 properties globally - and those who have used it have shared exceptional feedback...
"Through our app, we're giving HHonors members the ability to better control and personalise their stay with us. Imagine if an HHonors member is arriving at our hotel after a long trip or running late to a meeting, Digital Key can provide our frequent guests the added benefit of going straight to their room without stopping at the front desk."