Skip to Content

Click on a label to read posts from that part of the world.

Map of the world

Hotels working on technology that could eliminate front desk check-in

Imagine checking into your hotel room from your WiFi-enabled flight, or even in the cab on your way to the hotel from the airport. According to a story in USA Today's Hotel Check-in column, that's the concept some hotels are working on.

Starwood Hotels has been at the forefront of this high-tech endeavor with their Aloft Hotel in Lexington, Mass. You have to be a member of the Starwood Preferred Guest loyalty program to test it out (the program is free to join). You're then mailed a keycard with RFID capability, and what happens next could eliminate a lot of hassle for rushed guests.

From USA Today:

"On the day you're set to arrive at the Aloft Lexington hotel, you'll be sent a text message to your Blackberry, iPhone or other mobile device disclosing your room number at the Aloft. When you arrive at the hotel, you'll then be able to go straight to your room, using your keycard to unlock the door. The door lock will recognize the RFID card when its nearby, so there's no need to drop your bags at the door to remove the card from your wallet; instead, you'd be able to simply tap your wallet on the lock."

We want to know: What do Gadling readers think about this high-tech concept? Would you rather pass by the front desk and head straight to your room, or do you like the personal attention at the check in desk? Let us know your thoughts.

Filed under: Hotels and Accommodations

Find Your Hotel

City name or airport
POWERED BY
City name or airport
City name or airport
POWERED BY
City name or airport
City name or airport
POWERED BY
City name or airport code
If different
POWERED BY
POWERED BY

Search Travel Deals

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Gadling Features

Categories

Become our Fan on Facebook!

Featured Galleries (view all)

Berlin's Abandoned Tempelhof Airport
The Junk Cars of Cleveland, New Mexico
United Airlines 787 Inaugural Flight
Ghosts of War: France
New Mexico's International Symposium Of Electronic Arts
Valley of Roses, Morocco
The Southern Road
United Dreamliner Interior
United Dreamliner Exterior

Our Writers

Grant Martin

Editor-in-chief

RSS Feed

Don George

Features Editor

RSS Feed

View more Writers