Starwood rolls out Bluetooth-enabled entry system

The Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG) loyalty app is integrated with the SPG Keyless entry system, developed to allow guests to bypass the front desk service, go directly to their room and unlock the doors with a mobile. The system will be first introduced in the hotelier's ten hotels, but Starwood plans on rolling out the solution in 150 hotels around the globe by early 2015 across its Aloft, Element and W hotels."This is just the beginning, because through mobile we have the opportunity to marry high tech and high touch to transform the hotel experience in many exciting ways,” said Frits van Paasschen, Starwood’s president and CEO. SPG Keyless will be available to the members of Starwood loyalty program who book a hotel room through one of the group’s channels (hotel websites, SPG.com, the SPG app or customer contact centers). To get the keyless access to their rooms, they will first need download the SPG app and allow push notifications. App. 24 hours before their arrival they will be asked if they want to make use of the keyless access. Those who opt-in for the service will receive a push notification noting that they are checked in. Upon arrival, the app will update with their room number and unique Bluetooth key. Then the guests will be able to enter the room by simply opening the app and holding the smartphone to the door lock. Starwood tapped the Assa Abloy lock manufacturer to create the Bluetooth-enabled lock as well as keyless software.