How Hotels Can Enhance the Key Card Experience for Guests
Did you know that a key card can do more than just open a door? The hospitality business is tougher than ever! As hospitality businesses vie for the top spot in the heart of their customers, they’re also starting to learn that the best way to persuade more customers is to focus on a more personalized experience.
If you haven’t added more customization to your key card, it is time you learn the following services and extras that can be accessed using a hotel key card. It helps guests enjoy a more convenient and memorable stay. At the same time, you could use it to generate more revenue as you scale up your business.
Increase Customer Loyalty
Key cards can be utilized to activate brands and increase guest loyalty. They can be programmed to connect to NFC-enabled smartphones where guests can automatically sign up for your brand’s loyalty program. Since the keycard contains the guest data, entering the program will automatically pre-fill the personal information of your guests. This could be a great marketing strategy to increase guest retention and loyalty. By giving guests exclusive discounts and promotions, you can attract more check-ins.
Tighter Security for Your Guests
RFID keycards contain barcodes and magnetic stripes that can easily be reprogrammed to deny access to strangers who may have stolen the key cards. For example, if guests have lost their keycards and reported the situation, hotel security can easily block access to whoever might have gotten the card. It delivers a higher level of security and provides peace of mind for guests. There are many ways that keycards can be customized to improve security such as adding authentication at the door lock. Notice also how keycards can automatically turn on or off room lights and appliances to prevent mishaps when the guests are out.
Related articles: Learn more about Locks and Hardware for the Hospitality Industry.
Access to Spas and VIP Services
Key cards can be customized to give VIP guests exclusive access to VIP services such as the massage room, spa, or luxury pool. Compared with the traditional method of manual logging, it removes the need for receptionists in every hall pass. Moreover, it also saves VIPs from going back and forth to the reception area to request VIP services. The key card holds the answer! All that guests have to do is swipe the key card onto the sensor. Rooms can be consequently programmed to open only on VIP keycards and deny access to other key holders. That way, there is less manual labor and monitoring for your staff and a more enhanced experience for your VIP guests.
Communicate Vital Information to Guests
Chances are your front desk staff often gets a call for the same questions: “What’s the number for room service?”, “What is the password for your WiFi?”, or “What’s the nearest café for breakfast?”. Keycards can be fully customized to streamline services for your guests. For example, keycards can be programmed to allow guests to automatically have access to WiFi once they have checked in. This gets rid of the need to constantly contact the front desk for the same question.
Partnerships with Cafes and Restaurants
Again, you can use keycards to partner with nearby café and restaurants to provide guests with free breakfast or other extra perks. Before hotels can only serve breakfast in bed but now hotels can tie up with cafes and restaurants to give guests more perks. As result, your guests can dine in your partner restaurant and present the keycard for perks and freebies. Just ask nearby businesses if they would like to join you in a promotion that is mutually beneficial for both brands. There are many businesses out there that would jump on something creative like this. Think like a tourist, and have your hotel keys offer deals on food and drink.
Access to Local Attractions and Entertainment
Just like partnering with local restaurants and cafes, you can partner with local attractions to provide exclusive deals to your guests who checked in a particular room. For instance, you can offer bundle packages with day tours. But instead of guests paying for entrances, all they need to do is swipe the keycard to the sensor to have access to aquariums or fun rides. The same strategy can be applied to casinos and more entertainment places. There are unlimited possibilities with key cards so don’t underestimate their power.
Personalized Designs
Promote brand awareness and build identity by having modified keycards. Think about your brand color and designs because they can easily be applied to your keycard. Instead of having an ordinary keycard, luxury hotels can opt for more creative keycard designs. Keycards are the new elevated approach to branding. It’s time you embrace its benefits to grab the attention of your guests.
A good way to unlock its potential is to work with the right manufacturer or designer. Think big with your key card functionalities. Reach out to us for a key card strategy that will help you book loyal guests.
Related article: Are Your Valuables Secure in Hotel Safes?
