Starwood Hotels & Resorts is launching a pilot programme that allows guests with a smartphone to bypass check-in and use the device to open the door to their room.
Check-in then occurs automatically once the door has been opened.
Starwood will first introduce the technology, which works using Bluetooth, in two of its Aloft properties - one in Harlem, New York and the other in Cupertino, California.
If all goes well, it will be gradually rolled out across Aloft and W Hotel branded properties later this year.
The tech is supported on Apple iPhones from the 4S model up and on Android phones running 4.3 up. Guests need to install the Starwood app on their phone prior to use.
Earlier this month, Starwood announced that its Preferred Guest loyalty programme is offering up to 15,000 bonus Starpoints in a new promotion (see news, January 7).
Graham Smith
