MCLEAN, VA—Hilton Worldwide has introduced Digital Key, an all-new feature of the Hilton HHonors app, providing the ability to bypass the hotel check-in counter and access their rooms, as well as other areas of the hotel that requires a key.
By early 2016, HHonors members will be able to use their smartphones as their room key to enter more than 170,000 rooms at 250 U.S. properties within the Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts and Canopy by Hilton brands, according to the company.
“HHonors members can use digital check-in and room selection at more than 4,100 properties globally—and those who have used it have shared exceptional feedback,” said Geraldine Calpin, SVP and global head of Digital, Hilton Worldwide. “With Digital Key, we are making the guest experience even more seamless through our improved mobile app.”
In addition to checking in digitally, selecting their own room from a floor plan or list and using their smartphone as their key, members can further customize their stay via the app by requesting amenities, such as additional pillows, snacks or drinks, before arrival or at any other point during their stay.
“Through our app, we’re giving HHonors members the ability to better control and personalize their stay with us,” said Calpin. “Imagine if an HHonors member is arriving at our hotel after a long trip or running late to a meeting, Digital Key can provide our frequent guests the added benefit of going straight to their room without stopping at the front desk.”
Digital Key beta testing commenced earlier this month at the Hilton Alexandria Old Town in Alexandria, Va., and will continue through 2015 at select U.S. properties across four brands including Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts and Canopy by Hilton. Digital Key will first be available on the iOS platform and, later this year, it will be offered to Android users.
In addition to receiving other benefits such as free standard Wi-Fi when booking directly through Hilton, HHonors members who use the Digital Key this year at beta hotels will receive 2,500 Hilton HHonors Bonus Points.