NEW YORK—Security is always a concern for resort properties that feature walkout rooms near a pool or patio. Of course, most hotels have been forced to go the route of standard latches or interior hooks that force guests to exit their rooms from the front door and walk around.
However, these properties will soon have another option. Padio Systems Inc. has created a product—which is expected to roll out in the coming months—that will enable guests to lock their exterior doors from the outside and enter and exit freely. Dubbed Padiolok, the system retrofits to existing or new sliding patio doors and provides a secure lock with two-way locking and unlocking, according to company founder Bruce White.
White touted the benefits of the system for the hospitality sector. “It appeals to hoteliers primarily because their guests will simply enjoy their stay a lot more. They will get to the pool or beach faster, more conveniently and with improved security. It’s also good for the hotel directly, as it will have fewer guests to deal with who are locked out of rooms and fewer lost keys to re-issue,” he said.
According to White, the lock system, which works through a 9V battery, retrofits readily to almost any sliding aluminum vinyl or other sliding patio door. The maintenance staff will be able to install it in about a half hour per door.
Guests program their own code for the duration of their stay, similar to a hotel safe. The code can be erased in five seconds between guest stays. The Padiolok keypad works with either the Padiolok latch, which operates via an intuitive internal lever, or most standard mortise latches, according to the company.
White commented further on what inspired the company to develop the product. “We realized how ridiculous it is that patio door locks/latches are so insecure that no one trusts them; that there are so many extra pins and buttons added. But, these also make the doors less convenient and frankly less safe, as few people could exit even their own door quickly in an emergency in the dark. Unfamiliar guests struggle operating such doors even in non-emergencies,” said White.
White noted that the lodging industry represents a natural for this product, which also has residential uses because of the many poolside rooms and beachfront properties. Initial marketing efforts to gauge the interest from the industry have gone well, according to White.
“Hotels are very interested across all brands. They get how it will benefit their guests. One general manager said that, when he travels, he hates having to go to the pool just outside his room by having to go back inside his room to lock the door then down the hall in his bare feet to exit back out to the pool, or having to leave his sliding door unlocked when he goes for a swim,’” he said.
White estimated the cost of the system would be $190 per door. For more information, check out the company’s website at padiolok.com.
—Dennis Nessler