Hotel room keys have come a long way over the last 100 years. From charming, little metal keys into doorknobs to touchless NFC systems that open with an RFID chip, we have seen a transformation unfold for hotel room key technology. Hotel keys have changed over time for safety and ease of use on part of hotels and guests. However, which option is safest?
Read about different types of hotel keys and decide which one is best for your business.
Magnetic Hotel Key
Magnetic key cards are hotel keys that you insert into a lock to open a room. As a hotelier, it’s your responsibility to know and understand your lock system to best protect your guests. Ensure safety by ensuring that you have the correct coercivity for your keys. In terms of protection, MedCo or HiCo key cards offer more than LoCo key cards but LoCo is the most common degree of magnetization for magnetic hotel keys.
The caveats to this type of key are that it is easier to deprogram than its RFID counterpart and has a shorter lifespan of 6-8 months. This key provides safety for guests, but hoteliers should know that it requires you to do regular lock and encoder cleaning to keep them working.
Related Article: Which Hotel Key Card Is Right For My Business?
RFID Hotel Key
This option is the most reliable. An RFID hotel key is more secure than a magnetic key card and is less likely to be deprogrammed. Setting this type of key next to a phone isn’t a problem. Additionally, the lifespan of an RFID card is essentially unlimited, making it a great option for hotels. Just as you would with the magnetic key, you will need to find the corresponding compatibility – learn more here. Hotels operating on an economical budget need an option that is both safe, affordable, and lasts.
Related Article: RFID Hotel Key Cards: Good, Better, Best
Which Hotel Key is Safest?
The above hotel keys are safe to use in your hotel, and both have differing safety profiles. You may consider upgrading your keys by migrating to RFID key cards from magnetic key cards for increased security, as well as saving you time and effort. With fewer guests reporting demagnetized cards, you can better focus on customer experience. However, the lock system in place at your hotel may be the safest option for you, as long as you know what hotel key to use. If you need assistance, contact our team.
Need more magnetic or RFID hotel keys? Request a quote for a custom order today.
Consider Custom Hotel Supplies with Front Desk Supply
Front Desk Supply is a leading hotel supplier for the hospitality industry. We offer a wide range of hotel supply products, such as custom pens, hotel key cards, key card sleeves, and more. From boutique hotels to nationwide hotel chains, we have a selection of generic hotel supplies and offer custom hotel supply orders.
If you have a question or need a quote for a custom order, you can get in touch with our team through our contact form or by calling (888)-859-2061.
