Apple Wallet Now Supports Hotel Keys - Hyatt Worldwide First

Apple Wallet Now Supports Hotel Room Keys with Hyatt

During the June Worldwide Developer Conference, Apple previewed its intention to integrate support for digital keys – for homes, offices, hotels, and even state driver licenses – into Apple Wallet. Today, Apple has announced that Hyatt will be the inaugural hotel partner to implement this new functionality.

The hotel group will begin offering room keys directly within Apple Wallet to its guests. Initial availability will be at six locations across the United States, with plans for further expansion in the coming months.

Initial Hyatt Locations

The first six properties to support this feature are: Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort, Hyatt Centric Key West Resort & Spa, Hyatt House Chicago/West Loop-Fulton Market, Hyatt House Dallas/Richardson, Hyatt Place Fremont/Silicon Valley, and Hyatt Regency Long Beach.

How the System Functions

This new system is designed to integrate seamlessly with the existing World of Hyatt mobile application. Following a reservation made through the app, users will be prompted with an option to add their room key to Apple Wallet.

This process mirrors the experience of adding tickets or passes to Apple Wallet, offering a convenient one-tap addition. The hotel room keys can be added immediately after booking, though access will only be granted at check-in time.

Key Information Within Apple Wallet

Once added, the Apple Wallet display will show essential reservation details, including dates, the property name, and the upcoming check-in date.

Tapping the three-dot menu provides access to further information, such as the reservation number and additional property details. Direct access to the Hyatt app for reservation management is also available from within Apple Wallet.

Apple Watch Compatibility

The digital hotel keys are not limited to iPhones; they are automatically synchronized to a paired Apple Watch as well.

Benefits and Convenience

Beyond the convenience of eliminating physical key cards, this system has the potential to streamline the check-in process. Guests may be able to bypass lobby queues.

The app can notify guests when their room is prepared, enabling mobile check-in. Upon completion, the room key activates, displaying the room number for direct access. This feature could also contribute to reducing potential COVID-19 exposure by minimizing contact in common areas.

Advanced Features

Guests reserving multiple rooms can add all keys to the same digital wallet, avoiding confusion. An Express mode, similar to transit passes, allows door access without unlocking the device.

These keys can also grant access to hotel amenities, such as the fitness center or swimming pool.

Key Updates and Limitations

If a guest extends their stay or requests a late checkout through the mobile app, the digital key will be automatically updated. However, key sharing with others is not permitted; they function solely with the logged-in Hyatt account holder.

After checking out, the hotel keys are archived within Apple Wallet but are not deleted.

Technical Requirements

Implementing this system requires hotels to upgrade their door lock infrastructure to support Near Field Communication (NFC) technology. This enables guests to unlock doors with a simple tap, mirroring the functionality of Apple Pay.

Hyatt is collaborating with Assa Abloy for its implementation, but Apple remains open to working with other vendors chosen by hotels. While Apple has not disclosed other hotel chains currently in development, Hyatt intends to broaden access across its global portfolio.

System Requirements and Future Plans

Support for hotel keys is now available on iPhones running iOS 15 and Apple Watch devices running watchOS 8. Currently, Hyatt is focusing on an iOS-only solution, but has not excluded the possibility of future integration with Google platforms.