7 Best Types of Hotel Door Lock System, How to choose?

If you are trying to build a new hotel, the hotel door lock system will be an important security system you have to consider. So what hotel door lock systems are there, and how to choose?

Last Updated on March 17, 2024 by Vincent Zhu

Similarly, if you are also considering replacing the old traditional mechanical hotel locks, which new electronic RFID hotel door lock system is more suitable for your hotel?

This article will introduce you to different hotel door lock systems, their advantages and disadvantages, and finally, tell you how to choose the most suitable one.

Now, let us first understand what a hotel door lock system is.

What Is Hotel Door Lock System?

We all know hotels were used to giving keys to their customers for their rooms. But as technology develops and evolves, the standard hardware lock and keys are getting electronic.

Now, electronic hotel key cards have replaced standard key systems. The old lock and key system also showed many lacking points and disadvantages.

The chances of theft were practically huge in the typical lock and key systems.

What Is Hotel Door Lock System (2)

But now, the hotel door lock system is incorporated with the latest electronic hotel door lock system, which is more efficient and secure.

When a person looks for a hotel, they prioritize the safety and security of their luggage and belongings and their safety. This means they want efficient hotel door entry systems.

Privacy is also an essential factor for the guests. In commercial spaces where many people come together and stay, it is necessary to have an efficient insulation door to help keep all the interference out.

For any hotel, it is essential to provide complete privacy to its guests. Electronic hotel door lock systems work best and are proven most efficient in such cases.

Hotel Door Lock System How It Works? 7 Best Types of Hotel Door Lock System, How to choose? 5

The use of key card lock systems in hotels has become widespread now. If we try to explain, we can say that the appearance of the key card of electronic hotel locks is very similar to a credit card.

Now, you may wonder how the key card works. Then, let us explain. The key card has a digital security code or a unique pattern for opening the lock.

Every door consists of the mechanical feature of opening up only with a particular key card the hotel would have provided you.

As technology evolves, key cards have become more advanced and efficient. The latest technologies have been added to them to enhance their features.

Various key cards are used nowadays, like mechanical key cards for mechanical door locks for hotels and electronic key cards for electronic locking systems.

Also, RFID key cards for RFID hotel locks are used by hotels.

History Of Hotel Door Lock System

Around the 1970s, hotels started preferring punch cards instead of their old lock and keys to enhance the staff’s working and efficiency and give good service.

Working these punch cards was quite similar to the pin-tumbler locks. The punch card needed to be put in a cardholder.

Each card has a unique pattern of raised bumps and holes. Due to their particular design, these bumps and holes managed to open the lock. In the 1970s, the punch card became very popular, and its credit went to Tor Sornes. He made a card that can be used again through recording instead of single-use.

But just as they became famous, electrified magstripe replaced them. In 1960, the first magnetic-striped card was made. The initial reason behind the invention of magnetic-striped cards was data storage like debit and credit cards.

Later, they were used as keys for security purposes.

The magstripe cards were less costly than punch cards, and they were also easier to operate.

But if we talk about the disadvantages, magstripe cards were on par with the punch cards. Later, two inventions helped drastically change the card access system as we see it currently.

The first one was the internet. It changed the database and networking process by making it server-based. Second, RFID changed the demagnetization problem of magstripe cards.

Why Do You Need Hotel Door Lock System?

We will get more advanced security and privacy features if we implement advanced hotel door lock systems.

With advanced hotel door lock systems, manageability and scalability will also achieve new heights.

Today, when everything is accessible on your smartphone, it has become necessary to implement it in every possible region to get the best out of it. They open new doors of opportunities.

Now, the physical keys have become an affair of the past. The digital keys and rewritable plastic keys have replaced them. The new locking system and digitalization benefit hotels and customers, making the whole scenario beneficial for both sides.

Why Do You Need Hotel Door Lock System

  1. Security – control the access of a region with an associated solution
  2. Staff Productivity – employees get a more focused and centralized working pattern
  3. Guest Convenience – no need for time-consuming front desk formalities
  4. Reduction in Operating Costs – can be implemented in several guest room systems in an integrated manner

Are Hotel Door Lock Systems Safe?

Hotels need to provide reasonable safety to their customers as well as employees. Hotels are installing tools like electronic locks, firewalls, etc., are being installed by hotels to improve security.

An essential responsibility of the door security system is checking any unauthorized entry or movement towards the local places. The local areas are emergency exits, staff rooms, etc.

Motion detectors and CCTV, along with electronic locking systems, have also been incorporated into hotels to enhance the security system of their place.

Types Of Locking Systems for Hotels: Pros and Cons

There are many locking systems for hotels; before choosing a hotel door lock system, you will have to know the advantages and disadvantages of each one.

Then, you will know which hotel door lock system suits your hotel doors.

1. Mechanical Door Locks For Hotels

Conventional mechanical door locks for hotels have a fundamental constructional design and are the most common type of door locks.

They provide hassle-free installation along with being light on the budget.

But considering large commercial hotels and places, such mechanical door locks are inefficient. They can easily be picked.

  • Knob Locks: It is often incorporated in inner doors and is one of the most used door lock types.
  • Deadbolt Locks: These are safe and resistant to break-in; they provide better safety.
  • Pad Locks: These are primitive in design and can be found in various shapes.
  • Mortise Locks are the most complex, including all types of mechanical locks. The locking system is made up of a cam and a set screw.
  • Portable Hotel Door Locks for hotel travelers: Portable door locks can be used for locking doors needing an extra locking device. This way, security can be enhanced to multiple levels by using portable hotel locks. These are the best hotel door locks for travelers.
  • Hotel Door Bar Lock: The hotel door bar lock, which has single or multiple lugs connected to the doorframe and a bar, is called a lock. Bar locks provide enhanced security measures for safeguarding the hotel door.
  • Hotel Chain Lock: Hotel chain locks incorporate a chain joint to the door frame connected to the panel. These are primarily used in hotel room doors. They provide privacy to the guests for meeting strangers without opening the door completely.

Mechanical Door Locks For Hotels

AdvantagesDisadvantages
low cost; chances of the key getting misplaced or forged;
hassle-free installation; can be lock-picked;
various options according to the style; no other features except locking and unlocking;
convenient to use. No potential for enhancing the value of your hotel.
 No ease of use for senior citizens or disabled people.
Apply to: Hotel Inner doors, such as bathroom doors, bedroom doors, and other room doors that require extra security

2, Electronic Locking Systems For Hotels

Electronic locks can be found almost everywhere; you would have seen them.

Also, the Electronic hotel door lock system is the most commonly used one.

Electronic locking systems for hotels are easy to use and require minimal maintenance and installation. They are also called digital locks.

They are also more efficient and secure than conventional locking systems, preferred as hotel room electronic door locks. They are considered the best option for flat or bedroom door locks.

They comprise various characters and don’t require internet access. If you wonder how to open electronic hotel door locks, it is straightforward just by using the electronic key card.

Generally, The Types Of Electronic Locking Systems For hotels often include three main types: key card hotel door lock system, keypad hotel door lock system, and Mobile app hotel door lock system.

3, Key Card Hotel Door Lock System

The door card readers are put on every door to use hotel key cards, and they are processed in a particular way to operate the desired door for a given time frame.

The access management system of hotels groups the door locks according to the number of users of the same group and the audit trails.

Mag stripes and swipe cards are budget-friendly for large-scale hotels, but they can’t be used for long terms as they wear out quite fast and provide less safety than other alternatives.

RFID cards are more costly than other key card door locks for hotels and hotel magnetic door locks.

How Do Hotel Key Card Lock Systems Work?

In hotel key card lock systems, the key card is incorporated with a magnetic strip to store all the information that gives access to the door of a respective hotel room.

The hotel keycard encoder helps in preparing the information. The information is only about essential details like name, number, dates, and room number.

4, RFID Key Card Hotel Door Lock System

RFID means radio frequency identification. This term signifies the use of electromagnetic waves for recognized purposes. The transmitter and receiver are contactless and work by identifying the objects and people.

The sliding movement is unnecessary for RFID or proximity cards because they work on radio frequencies that work in a small distance range, giving the name proximity.

Regarding contactless cards, it concerns RFID cards in the Mifare hotel door lock system. However, proximity cards need minimal contact with the RFID reader to operate the door.

Smart cards also fall in the category of contactless cards. They utilize microchips for carrying information. Any hotel wanting to modernize the security system goes for smart cards even when they are costly.

RFID hotel door locks can also be combined with electronic door locks. For this, a chip is processed and converted into a small transponder. This is located on the door associated with the hotel access control system.

The process of authorization and recognition is done by radiofrequency. The provider determines the appearance of the guest’s transponder. It can be a key fob, bracelet, or card.

Hotel Room Door Rfid Key Card Lock Management System SL-H8605

ShineACS Locks RFID Key Card Hotel Door Lock System

RFID hotel key cards are better than manual keys and barcodes due to various aspects, while both these can be easily forged. Let’s see some advantages of RFID hotel lock over the traditional lock and key mechanisms.

  • Can be forged easily: No such devices can copy the radio signal, making it safer.
  • Can be customized and reprogrammed: RFID hotel key cards only provide access to the lock for a certain period. Such specific programming provides efficient management and working by locking any unwanted movement in unauthorized areas.
  • Anonymous: There are no specific marks for recognition, so only the actual user and the hotel door lock system software can recognize the card and its authorization.
  • Convenient deactivation process: By any chance, if the card gets misplaced or stolen by someone, deactivation helps secure any unwanted use.
  • Feasible to the budget: The traditional hotel door lock systems require changing the whole lock of the door if the key is lost, but with key cards, it is easy to discard the card’s authorization without changing the lock.
AdvantagesDisadvantages
Contactless and reusable use;Compared with traditional mechanical locks, the RFID hotel lock system price is higher;
Different guests use exclusive RFID cards;Unable to unlock when the lock is out of power;
No need to carry mechanical keys;RFID cards are easy to lose;
Centralized and unified management with hotel lock software
RFID cards can set valid times;
RFID cards can be used to control room power and hotel elevators
Apply to:Most Morden hotels that need centralized and unified management hotel rooms

So, if your current hotel lock system is still a traditional key lock, which is too old and cannot meet the security needs of your hotel, it is a good choice to consider upgrading your existing hotel lock system to an RFID hotel lock system

5, Magnetic Key Card Entry System

All magnetic stripe cards contain a magnetic strip that has the details of the guest incorporated into them. The user access number is the most essential and unique information coded in the card.

The hotel staff provides the card-carrying user information to the guest. The card has a fixed time for use from check-in to check-out.

The card readers are installed on the hotel doors. When hotel doors read the card information, they lock or unlock it. The key card locks for hotels provide a streamlined process for entry and exit.

After swapping the magnetic key card in the hotel’s magnetic door entry system, the card has information from the sensor on the door lock.

This is the magnetic stripe key card hotel lock system process. The installation of the information in the card is either done manually or by central system management. The conventional keyhole is also used in various hotels.

7 Best Types of Hotel Door Lock System, How to choose? 6

AdvantagesDisadvantages
Lower cost compared with RFID card locks;Electromagnetic fields easily demagnetize magnetic cards;
Easy to use, need magnetic swipe cards;The magnetic card reader card slot is susceptible to dirt and dust;
Mature technology;Magnetic cards are rarely reused;
Unable to unlock when the lock is out of power.
Apply to:Cheap budget hotels with lower-end and lower-cost needs

6, Keypad Password Hotel Door Lock System

The keypad hotel lock is mainly used to open the door by entering the correct number password on the keyboard or touch keypads.

But under normal circumstances, the traditional general hotels no longer use this pin code hotel door lock system.

Currently, the pin code door lock system is mainly used in Airbnb hotels, apartment hotels, and short-term rental houses.

7 Best Types of Hotel Door Lock System, How to choose? 7

AdvantagesDisadvantages
Multi-user access;Password needs to be changed regularly;
Password opening is more reliable in emergencies;Passwords are easy to leak;
Password is easy to remember;
Multiple users can use it.
Apply to:Apartment-style hotels, Airbnb hotels, and rental houses need to be used and managed independently

7, Mobile Key Hotel Door Lock System

The mobile key hotel door lock system may be the trend of use in modern hotels in the future, especially during COVID-19.

The mobile key hotel lock system allows guests to use their mobile phones to complete the check-in process without close contact, avoiding the possible infection of COVID-19.

Of course, the mobile key hotel lock system is usually unsuitable for a traditional hotel, especially if your goal is to reduce operating expenses.

The mobile key hotel lock system mainly allows users to unlock the hotel room with a phone through Bluetooth or WIFI technology. It can also remotely send passwords, Bluetooth keys, and other methods to open the room door.

The mobile key hotel system is mainly used in high-end apartments and rental houses.

Mobile Key Hotel Door Lock System

AdvantagesDisadvantages
Quick check-in experience;Need cellphone;
Contactless and safe check-in;Need Bluetooth or WIFI;
Easy to use your phone to open the door;You may need to install additional apps;
Multiple door-opening methods are optional.Inconvenient for older people or people who rarely use mobile phones.
Can remotely send a Bluetooth key or password to open the door
Apply to:High-end hotels, apartments, and rental houses with higher security requirements

If you want to buy and use a mobile key hotel door lock system for your hotel, please check our TTlock smart locks.

Other factors you need to consider:

Compatibility with Hotel Elevator System: Hotel door lock systems need to be compatible with and manage hotel elevator control systems, more helpful in hotel room safety, protect guests

Compatibility with energy-saving switch: Hotel door lock systems would be better compatible with hotel energy-saving switch, which means hotel customers will have to insert a room card into the hotel key card switch to get room power.

Communication –The locks should be wireless and capable of reading/writing and networking with the whole system.

Design – The hotel door lock system must be advanced to safeguard against unwanted activities.

Accessibility –The lock should be accessible from anywhere to assess the security system anytime.

Mobile – It would be better to connect with smartphones through Bluetooth.

Connection – The Lock system should integrate with other mechanisms for effective working like parking, CCTV, hotel key card power switch, etc.

Security –Check and process management for access permissions.

Growth –Should be able to enhance operation when required to implement in large-scale use.

RFID –Should be able to work with almost all RFID mechanisms.

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About Author

  • Vincent Zhu

    Vincent Zhu has 10 years of smart lock system experience and specializes in offering hotel door lock systems and home door lock system solutions from design, configuration, installation, and troubleshooting. Whether you want to install an RFID keyless door lock for your hotel, a keyless keypad door lock for your home door, or have any other questions and troubleshooting requests about smart door locks, don't hesitate to contact me at any time.

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