Leura Gardens Resort in the NSW Blue Mountains will be the first hotel in Australia to launch digital wallet key technology, allowing guests seamless access to the hotel’s rooms and facilities with a tap of their phone.
This new system provides guests with a convenient alternative to physical key cards, while still offering traditional options for those who prefer them.
Owner Dr Jerry Schwartz has been trialling keyless technology for several years and will utilise cutting-edge door lock and software solutions developed by Vingcard - a leading innovator of advanced technologies tailored to the needs of the hospitality industry - at Leura Gardens Resort.
With Vingcard’s cloud-based Vostio Access Management technology, the property can automatically generate digital wallet-compatible keys that are securely delivered to guests' devices via advanced encryption.
The digitalised room keys are automatically activated when a guest checks in electronically and are ready to use as soon as their room becomes available, allowing guests to go straight to their rooms and access them with a tap on their phones.
The room key is stored in a wallet on any iOS or Android phone and is similar to the technology used for concert or plane tickets.
The key works without needing to download or open any app, navigate to a special screen, or unlock the device.
The same digital wallet-based key can also be used to access the hotel's facilities for even greater convenience.
If guests choose to extend their stay, the key is automatically updated, eliminating the need to visit the front desk.
While the technology has been used in hostels in Australia, Leura Gardens Resort is the first full-service hotel or resort in Australia to successfully introduce it.
"The hotel industry in Australia has been slow to adopt the technology, which is surprising given that we use our mobile phones to board planes and enter sports and concert venues,” said Schwartz.
“I’m convinced that entering a hotel room with a digital key on your phone will become another extension of that, and the innovation at Leura Gardens will become a template for the wider industry.
“This is all about enhancing the guest experience. Some people will prefer to go to the front desk and check-in in person, but others want a more seamless experience. We are catering for both groups.
“Our guests will be able to use the technology without needing to use an additional app. Instead, arriving guests will receive their ‘room key’ by downloading it from their check-in confirmation email and adding it to their smartphones.”
