Hotelbird and Vingcard Combine Technology and Expertise to Launch NFC-Enabled Digital Wallet Room Keys at Welcome Hotel Darmstadt
Customer:
Welcome Hotels is a German-based brand featuring more than 14 properties dedicated to providing a home away from home experience that is immersed in authentic German culture.
Challenge:
As a hotel brand with a goal of providing heightened guest comfort, Welcome Hotel sought out the latest technology available that could raise a new standard in check-in and room entry convenience.
Solution:
Deployed at Welcome Hotel Darmstadt in collaboration with Hotelbird a leading digital guest journey solution provider, Mobile Access enabled with digital wallet compatibility represents the next generation of room access for hotels. Now seamlessly available within the Hotelbird ecosystem and based on NFC technology already familiar from tap-to-pay payments, the digital wallet key solution is designed to simplify hotel operations by reducing front desk traffic and hardware hassles.
It further eliminates issues that may be seen with earlier mobile key deployment options. Unlike these technologies, NFC does not require guests to download an app, connect to the internet, or even have a charged phone. With wallet keys via the Hotelbird interface, guests receive a verified digital room key at check-in which they can add to the digital wallet on their iOS or Android device and unlock their room with a simple tap on the door lock. Hotelbird’s wallet key functionality is enabled and supported using Vingcard’s Vostio Access Management platform, allowing hotels to use their existing access control infrastructure. The solution supports all check-in flows, including online, terminal-based, and front desk, and is currently available for hotels operating on the Apaleo or Oracle Cloud property management system.
Welcome Hotel Darmstadt is the first hotel to pilot Hotelbird’s wallet key integration. As an existing customer, Welcome Hotels have already been working with Hotelbird’s guest experience platform to simplify operations and improve the guest journey. With decades of experience and a worldwide reputation for secure and scalable door lock and digital key systems, Vingcard provides the technological foundation that makes wallet keys function within the Hotelbird ecosystem. The access control solution provider opted to work with Hotelbird to ensure that wallet keys is not only a robust technology, but is also able to seamlessly be embedded into hotel operations and the guest journey. Together, they have deployed a solution that combines an intuitive guest experience with the scalability required by modern hospitality.
- Adopt room keys in Apple Wallet to provide mobile app-free guestroom entry.
- Leverage Express Mode for guests to avoid the need to unlock devices before using mobile keys.
- Deploy Vostio Access Management for enhanced security and room keys in Apple Wallet compatibility.
“We are very excited that our Welcome Hotel Darmstadt is the first hotel to launch Hotelbird’s wallet key integration. Our focus has always been on combining excellent service with smart digital solutions. Wallet keys made available via Hotelbird helps us reduce complexity at the front desk and give our guests an even more convenient and secure stay.”
- Jörg Beginen, Chief Operating Officer of Welcome Hotels
“By integrating NFC wallet key abilities in Hotelbird’s offerings, we are setting a new standard for digital room access in hospitality. We are proud to offer this technology by working together with Vingcard. This is an exciting step forward that simplifies operations for hotels and gives guests the most convenient and secure way to access their rooms.”
− Juan A. Sammiguel, CEO & Co-Founder of Hotelbird
ASSA ABLOY Global Solutions | Hospitality has transitioned to Vingcard. While our case studies and press releases may still reflect our previous branding, we are now operating under the Vingcard name.