A year after announcing plans to allow guests to use their smartphones as room keys at its more than 4,000 hotel and timeshare properties around the globe, Hilton Worldwide announced this week that it has added a new "Digital Key" feature to its HHonors app.
In a statement, Hilton said Digital Key gives frequent guests the option to bypass the hotel check-in counter and access their rooms, as well as any other area of the hotel that requires a key, directly via the Hilton HHonors app on their smartphones.
"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," said Geraldine Calpin, senior vice president and global head of Digital, Hilton Worldwide. "With Digital Key, we are making the guest experience even more seamless through our improved mobile app."
Beginning the day before arrival, HHonors members who booked directly with Hilton may select their desired room on their mobile device using digital check-in and will be asked if they’d like a Digital Key during their stay. If the guest elects to use a Digital Key, it is issued as soon as the guest's room is ready the day of their arrival.
Digital Key beta testing commenced earlier this month at the Hilton Alexandria Old Town in Alexandria, Va., and will continue through 2015 at select U.S. properties across four brands including Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts and Canopy by Hilton. Digital Key will first be available on the iOS platform and, later this year, it will be offered to Android users.
