Getting ready to stay at a Hilton property? Let me share with you how to make the best use of Hilton Digital Key technology.
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What Is a Digital Key?
Most national hotel brands, including Hilton, Hyatt, IHG and Marriott , are using digital keys, which allow you to access your room through your smartphone. Digital keys also allow access to other areas normally accessed with a plastic key including elevators, the gym, the pool, parking garage, etc.
Typically, though, you have to be a loyalty member and often book directly with the hotel brand in order to take advantage of this perk, so join in advance if you want to use a digital key.
All About the Hilton Digital Key
Hilton has digital keys in most, but not all, of its properties. Double check Amenities on the hotel website or on the Hilton Honors App to see if your hotel offers the service.
Keep in mind, you can always request a regular key card if you don’t want to use a digital key. It’s not required!
I love the idea of this smart key though because I am forever losing my plastic key card or de-activating it by putting it next to a credit card! Ever do that? You can also share your digital key with others via the Hilton app.
It’s more secure and works via Bluetooth. Unless someone knows the pass code to access your phone, it’s extremely unlikely they’d be able to access your room because the digital key on your phone doesn’t show your room number.
How to Use the Hilton Digital Key
In order to use the digital key, you’ll need to have the latest version of the Hilton Honors app downloaded on your mobile phone or iPad. Then follow these steps:
1. Join Hilton Honors
You’ll need to be a member of Hilton Honors, Hilton’s rewards program. It’s completely free and it affords you many benefits, like the lowest possible room rate when booking direct and free Wi-Fi. Plus, you’ll earn points you can use for future stays.
I recommend joining the loyalty program; you almost always get benefits you would not have otherwise!
2. Book directly
Book either on the Hilton.com website or via the Hilton app when logged into your Hilton Honors account.
3. Check in ahead of time via the app
Twenty-four hours ahead, you can check in, tell them when you plan to arrive and make any requests like feather-free pillows or additional towels. You can also pick your room, which is so cool!
I love this feature, as you can choose from what’s available and pick the floor, close or far from elevators/ice machine, etc. Before it’s time to check-in, the app will give you access to your digital key.
4. Open the app
When you’re ready to open your room’s door with your digital key, open the Hilton app on your phone.
5. Tap Digital Key
Next, you’ll need to tap digital key on the screen and walk to your room.
6. Tap Unlock
While standing next to your room, tap Unlock and the door will magically unlock! You DO NOT have to hold it up to the door; it even works from inside the room if you need to let in a family member or room service.
Here’s more information and an FAQ list from Hilton about the digital key.
If you have problems using it, you can contact 1-800-4HONORS.
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Have you tried the Hilton digital key? Did you find it to be a convenient service?
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