Hotel keys - Google Wallet Help (2024)

FAQs

Does Google Wallet add support for hotel keys? ›

In Google Wallet, you can save and use your hotel keys at hotels where this feature is supported. In Google Wallet, you can safely and securely use your hotel keys to access your Hotels, guestrooms and key card-protected common areas like gyms, pools, and elevators throughout the duration of your stay.

Key cards may become inoperable when the magnetic stripe is demagnetized through exposure to magnets. Name tags, signs, and purse and wallet closures, and mobile phones are all potential sources of magnet exposure.

“So all of that stuff like your credit card information, your name, your address, ... none of it is held on the card,” Zisek said. Experts say you also don't need to worry about turning your key card in at the end of your stay; the information expires so the hotels can reuse the cards. So you're in the right!

Offering several layers of security, mobile key technology is the safest form of hotel access today. Physical keys and keycards are easily misplaced or stolen and can be used immediately to access a guestroom, but guest's mobile phones are unlikely to go astray.

What is a hotel key card? A hotel key card has a magnetic stripe, works with Near-Field Communication (NFC) technology, or is embedded with an RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) chip. The aim is to simplify hotel room access, payments, information transfer, and coupon storage.

These cards typically contain only the essential information needed to access your hotel room. This includes your room number and the dates of your stay, so the card knows when to deactivate itself. Contrary to urban legend, your credit card, banking details, name, and address do not make their way onto your key card.

Typically, after checking out, you should return the room card to the hotel front desk as per the hotel policy. The key card is considered a part of the hotel security measures. Failure to return it could be viewed as theft or loss, potentially resulting in additional charges.

Hotels don't really seem to care

The policies about travelers keeping room key cards differ across hotels. A user on the Ask Hotels subreddit queried hotel employees about the topic and received a fairly consistent answer — no one cares.

Hotels do keep records of room access, including the time, day, and which guest's key card was used. These records are often retained for security and operational purposes. However, the ability to access and delete such information may vary depending on the hotel's security systems and policies.

Although mobile key can save money by reducing the number of magnetized plastic keys, it ultimately has a high startup cost for properties by having to replace all of the door locks to make them both mobile key and key card accessible.

Can you leave hotel keys in room for checkout? ›

You may not need to leave as soon as you check out. Some hotels will allow you to check out and keep your keys until the actual checkout time. This way, you'll get the benefit of avoiding crowds without needing to give up your room.

When you check out, return the key card to the front desk or place it in the designated key card drop box if available. The hotel staff will typically guide you through the check-out process. Remember to always take your key card with you whenever you leave the room.

The Life Cycle of Hotel Magnetic and RFID Key Cards

Once the key card is with guests, the card's fate is in their hands. Guests will keep their RFID key card wherever they best see fit: in their purse, wallet, back pocket, crossbody pouch, or jacket.

Did you know that you can now store hotel keys via Google Wallet? If you tend to be absent-minded, making you prone to losing entrance cards, you may be relieved to hear that Google Wallet now supports digital key cards.

A hotel payment method is the mode by which guests pay for their stay, such as a credit card, cash, or digital wallet. It can also refer to the payment method guests use to purchase additional goods and services during their stay, such as meals at the hotel restaurant, activity packages, and spa services.

Place your phone on your car key reader and wait for your phone and car to pair. Once pairing is complete, your digital key is added to Google Wallet. If you don't have the Google Wallet app, you're prompted to download it. Follow the on-screen instructions.