Technology & MSG

These days, the front desk programs a few magnetic stripe cards when you check in. Can you remember when the front desk would hand you a set of keys? What if we used our credit cards instead?

For whatever reason, we tend to fret about the magnetic door keys. Like when we’re leaving for dinner we’ll put the key in our wallet so not to forget it, but then just before the door to the room closes we’ll hold the door open while we double/triple check the wallet to make sure the room key is still present. Ironic, considering that it’s probably the least important thing IN our wallets since another room key can easily be made at the front desk in seconds.

So why not use a credit card instead?

Here’s a quick example of operation. The rate for the room would be clearly displayed on a small LCD/LED panel by each room, either on the door or directly adjacent to it. Displays for occupied rooms would be blank or indicate occupied, similar to airline lavatories. Reserved rooms could be handled the same way. The room selection would be up to you, although you could be guided in the right direction by the hotel staff. Want a room away from the ice maker? Go find one. Want one on the east side of the building? Have at it. Just find ANY unoccupied room you like and swipe your credit card, just as you would today’s magnetic key. After a quick pre-authorization, the door unlocks and the room is available for your inspection. After a few minutes or when the door closes, the room is yours for the night. Until you check out with the front desk, your credit card is the only one to unlock the door and will be billed in accordance with posted hotel policy.

There are a few logistical issues to be worked out, such as the hotel’s master key of some sort. Hotels might want to have some model rooms for show, although I guess that most don’t have them now. The best part is that the technology already exists for this and has been in use for decades. Think enhanced telephones at the airport, rampantly available before the viral spread of cellular phones. The same goes for AirFone.

Just an idea…

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