Sturdy door locks are an essential part of any hotel security system. Hotels can use electronic and digital door locks to keep their buildings and guests safe. Electronic door locks used by hotels can be integrated with online or offline access control systems to provide access to guests at any time. However, there are various types of door locks, How to choose the type of door locks suitable for the hotel? In today’s guide, we will discuss how to choose hotel door locks. If you’re shopping for hotel door locks, read on to learn more.
1. Types of hotel door locks
There are many types of hotel door locks, and you need to understand them before purchasing. Hotel door locks fall into three categories: mechanical, electromechanical, and electronic.
1) Mechanical door lock
Mechanical door lock is the simplest door lock, it has a built-in lock cylinder, equipped with a suitable key to turn the lock cylinder to open the door lock. Its price is very affordable, and it is very easy to install. It is a kind of lock that is widely used. However, since the mechanical door lock is completely mechanized, the door lock can be opened with a screwdriver, and the security is not high. And it is inconvenient for the elderly and children. At present, few hotels use mechanical door locks.
advantage:
- Affordable
- Easy to install
- A variety of options to suit the style of your hotel
shortcoming:
- Door locks are easy to pick
- Keys are easily lost or duplicated
- Single function
- Unfriendly to certain users, such as the elderly and children
- Unable to add value to the hotel
- Inconvenient to manage
2) Mechatronic door lock
The mechatronic door lock combines the advantages of mechanical door locks and electronic door locks and is mainly composed of lock cylinders, programming keys, special programming devices, and management software. It can provide a safer security system than mechanical door locks, and the door lock does not require complicated wiring inside, as long as a battery is installed, it can be used. But in order to ensure the normal operation of the door lock, the hotel managers need to replace the battery regularly.
advantage:
- Provides greater security than mechanical door locks
- Fast installation and further retrofitting are possible
- Able to grant access within a specified time
- Change password at any time
- easy to manage
- Event log save function
shortcoming:
- vulnerable to hacking
- More expensive to install and repair than mechanical door locks
3) Electronic door lock
The electronic door lock is the most used lock in hotels at present, it is also called the keyless hotel door lock. Compared with the previous two door locks, it shows higher security and convenience and is deeply loved by hotel business owners. However, electronic door locks are further divided into the following types.
#1. RFID Card
RFID cards, also known as proximity cards, it is the key of an RFID hotel lock and it has an integrated antenna assembly that communicates with the lock via radio waves to allow access. Credentials are transmitted via radio waves when the RFID card is placed near a reader mounted on the door. If the data sent matches a specific code stored in the connected database, a lock is opened to grant access. Since the purchase cost of the RFID card is very cheap, the RFID card can be stopped immediately after it is lost. Therefore, RFID door locks are the most commonly used door locks in hotels.
advantage:
- Easy to use
- Contactless access
- Easy to program
- Credentials can be tracked digitally
shortcoming:
- The door lock will remain locked during power failure
- Credentials are easily copied by hackers
#2. Magnetic stripe card
The magnetic stripe card to program the access key on the magnetic stripe of the card. When the magnetic stripe card is inserted into the card reader, the card reader will automatically read the access key, and if it matches, the door lock will be unlocked. Magnetic stripe cards are less expensive than RFID cards but are also more prone to wear and tear due to the plug-in unlock.
advantage:
- Ease of use and programming
- Easy to track and manage
shortcoming:
- Cards are prone to wear and loss
- vulnerable to hacking
- Cards are easily degaussed and invalid
#3. Keypad password lock
The keypad code door lock is an access code granted by the hotel to the guest, and then the guest unlocks the door lock by pressing a number or letter code on the keypad of the door lock. At the same time, the hotel can revoke access to the code at any time. Hotel keypad locks are often used in guest amenity spaces like resort pools and gyms, or front door locks in vacation rentals.
advantage:
- Unique access code for high-security
- Enter the code to open the door lock, easy to use
- Easy to manage and program
- Can monitor access events
shortcoming:
- If your wireless network is not secure, it can be hacked
- Guests must remember the access code
- Once the access code is leaked, strangers can also open the door lock
#4. Smartphone-controlled door locks
Nowadays, almost everyone has a smartphone, so it is very convenient to use the smartphone to open the door lock. The door lock controlled by the mobile phone is to connect the door lock with the mobile phone through a wireless network or a Bluetooth device, so as to unlock the door lock through a specific application program. With smartphone-controlled door locks, you don’t even need to be at the hotel reception to check in, just do it on your phone. This not only saves your time but also facilitates check-in management for hotel managers.
advantage:
- Versatile
- Easy to use, unlock with one key on your smartphone
- Ease of hotel management
- multi-user access
shortcoming:
- Depends on the network and power
- Keep your smartphone charged
- Not friendly to elderly users who cannot use smartphones
2. How to choose a hotel door lock?
We have introduced the types of hotel door locks, so how should we choose in the face of so many types? Here are some suggestions for you from iLockey.
1) Security
The most important and first factor to consider when choosing a door lock for a hotel is security. Because protecting the privacy and personal safety of guests is very important. A hotel with high security will be favored by more guests. You can choose a door lock with a built-in security system, as the security system is another layer of added security.
If someone tries to forcibly open the door lock when the guest is asleep, the security system will sound an alarm to remind the guest to prevent the guest from being harmed; if the hotel is on fire, the security system can also automatically sense the temperature is too high and send an alarm Remind the guests in the room to leave as soon as possible; another situation is that when you go out to play and put valuables and luggage in the hotel room, if a thief steals while you are not in the hotel room, then the real-time tracking function in the security system It will remind you who opened the door lock through the mobile phone application.
Among the knob and deadbolt smart lock types, deadbolt door locks are more secure. They are available in single and twin-cylinder styles in strength classes 1 to 3. Your hotel can use level 1 or 2.
2) Cost
Of course, we all know that the ultimate goal of the hotel is to make a profit, so the cost of purchasing door locks needs to be controlled within a certain budget. You can first plan the cost of purchasing door locks, and then screen the most cost-effective door locks within this price range. In addition, not only the purchase cost but also the later repair and maintenance costs should be considered. What’s more, the price of door locks will also be affected by packaging. I have a friend who makes a cardboard box making machine, their machine can provide customized cardboard boxes for different products, but because of the difference in size, the cost of a single packaging is very different. Therefore, before buying, be sure to confirm the purchase cost of the smart lock.
3) Easy to manage
Selecting easy-to-manage door locks, such as smart keypad locks or smartphone-controlled door locks, can improve the work efficiency of hotel managers. Guests do not need to go to the front desk to check in, and the management staff can directly send the key to the guest’s mobile phone. It also greatly improves security.
If you use mechanical door locks or magnetic card door locks, from swiping the card every time the magnetic stripe card is issued, to changing the key card during the check-in period, to generate a code for each new guest. Check-in was very time-consuming. This brings a bad check-in experience to guests and also reduces work efficiency.
4) Convenience
Convenience is the key to hotel services, you need to ensure that guests can easily unlock the door, instead of taking a long time to unlock the door, which will also affect the guest’s check-in experience.
5) Ensure that guests have a good stay experience
As a hotel operator, ensuring the safety and comfort of your guests is a top priority. That’s why you should choose the most suitable hotel door lock according to your hotel’s specific requirements. All in all, a good stay experience is composed of many factors. The door lock is a more important factor.
Imagine if your hotel’s door locks are very difficult to open, will guests choose to stay in your hotel in the future? Of course not, they won’t even recommend their friends to stay. On the contrary, if your hotel’s door locks are very convenient to operate and can ensure the safety of guests to the greatest extent, they will choose to stay in your hotel next time and even recommend your hotel to their friends.
When you provide guests with the autonomy of online check-in and digital access, you can share with them the following information:
- Route
- Parking information
- WiFi access details
- A description of all your amenities
- Advice on what to do
- Additional services
6) Hotel door lock manufacturer
When you choose hotel door locks, you need to consider not only the cost performance of the door locks but also the reputation of the manufacturer. The longer a business has been in business, the more likely it is to have the most satisfied customers. At the same time, you also need to pay attention to the warranty period provided by the manufacturer, preferably a lifetime warranty. Contact the manufacturer when your hotel door lock fails, a reputable manufacturer will make every effort to resolve your issue quickly and efficiently at the time of your contact.
3. Hotel door lock recommendation
Here are some good hotel door lock recommendations for your reference.
1）VingCard E100（ASSA ABLOY）
The VingCard E100 works with a variety of lock boxes including standard lock boxes, narrow profile lock boxes, and sliding doors.
advantage:
- Compatible with various lock boxes
- The advanced version is available for doors on escape routes, e.g. fire doors
- Easy to use for retrofitting other locks
- Good corrosion resistance
2）Saflok Quantum RFID（Dormakaba）
The Saflok Quantum RFID offers a unique and award-winning two-piece modular design that combines sleek looks with superior lock performance and ease of operation.
advantage:
- with mobile access
- Simple to use
- High security and tamper-proof design
3) MIWA RFID lock
Miwa is a Japanese company established in 1945. They supply a large number of lock solutions for various industries but have a great reputation in the hospitality industry.
advantage:
- Real-time monitoring of access
- Supports Bluetooth access
- high security
- Various styles can be chosen
4) Salto lock
Salto offers an impressive range of products for your hotel lock system, equipped with electronic and physical features. They also offer a range of access control systems integrated across network functions for controlling the entire premises.
advantage:
- Supports RFID, NFC, and BLE
- Can use mobile phone control
- ANSI-certified, high-security
- Various unlocking methods
4. Frequently asked questions about hotel door locks
Here are some frequently asked questions about hotel door locks.
1) How to deal with the risks brought by the violation of the electronic lock system?
With the widespread use of electronic door locks, security risks also follow. To prevent hotel theft from happening, here are some steps you can take to mitigate the risk:
- Conduct safety training for all hotel staff
- Strengthen the hotel security system
- Divide the hotel into areas and assign dedicated staff to monitor and detect bad behavior on time
- Regularly review security protocols for door locking systems. For example, password changes after a period of time, application updates and revisions, staff access levels
2) Can automation make the check-in process smoother?
Yes, an automated check-in process can make it easier for guests to get into their reserved rooms. Mobile check-in is a growing trend in the mid to high-end hotel industry. Access and send keys directly from your smartphone. Not only does this save time for guests, but staff have more time to focus on creating memorable experiences.
3) How to maintain the hotel’s electronic door lock
If you are a hotel manager, please maintain the door locks through the following measures:
- Regularly check the power of the door lock battery, and replace it as soon as possible if it is found to be dead.
- Wipe dirt and dust off the lock with a soft cloth.
- Post reminders on the door to remind guests to avoid sudden closing and avoid closing the door with excessive force.
- Monitor the overall condition of the door, find faults, and eliminate them in time.
4) What is the average price of hotel door locks?
The cost of door locks varies greatly depending on the type and manufacturer.
- The average cost of a keypad or touchpad lock ranges from $50 to $400, depending on quality and style.
- RFID door lock systems like the Saflok InSync Deadbolt or VingCard Classic can cost between $100 and $300.
- WiFi hotel door locks like Yale Assure run between $200 and $300.
- Bluetooth hotel locks like the Kwikset Aura or the SALTO XS4 Original+ run about $140 to $600.
5) What are the top ten hotel door lock brands?
The top ten hotel door lock brands are:
- LOCSTAR
- BLOW
- ADEL
- KEYLOCK
- YGS
- Dormakaba
- BE-TECH
- VingCard
- JUNE
- Level
5. Conclusion
This guide has sorted out the types of hotel door locks and how to choose one, we hope the above details will help you make an informed decision for your hotel. Please contact iLockey if you have any other questions.
