Branded Hotel’s Contactless Check-In: Who has the better technology?

Since we here at Cogwheel Marketing are all about sharing our knowledge with others, we did a little research on which brand between Hilton, Marriott, and IHG has the best contactless opportunities for guests. 

All three of the major brands offer some form of digital check-in, one thing they do all have in common is you must be a rewards member. Easy, all you have to do is sign up. Now that eligibility is out of the way, let’s get to the nitty-gritty. 

IHG App 

  • Offers Mobile check in 
    • Must be IHG Rewards Club ELITE member to have mobile check in. 
    • Can request early arrival and a text will be sent when your room is ready.

Join IHG Rewards Club here 

Marriott Bon Voy App

  • Offers Mobile check in and mobile key 
    • Mobile Check In – Check in from anywhere and you will receive a notification when room is ready. 
      • Can opt-out of housekeeping during your stay when checking in (free bonus points with this option) 
      • Gives you quick info about hotel amenities, local dining, transportation and attractions. 
    • Mobile Key- for unlocking rooms, parking garages, fitness center, lounge, pool, and other areas around the hotel. 
      • Has a Siri shortcut for IOS12 and up (she will open the door) 
  • Mobile requests- Gives a list of amenities to choose from 

Create a Marriott BonVoy Account here 

Hilton Honors App 

  • Offers Mobile Check-in and Mobile Key 
    • Check-in up to 24 hours before check-in time next day 
    • Choose your room of choice before arriving from a digital floor plan. 
    • Purchase room upgrades if available and request specific amenities that will be delivered to your room before arrival. 
  • Digital Key- unlock your room, parking garage, fitness center, lounge, pool and other public areas around the hotel from your app. 

Create a Hilton Honors account here

Marriott and Hilton both offer digital key, but keep in mind this technology is still fairly new technology and not rolled out to every hotel quite yet. When booking from your Marriott BonVoy app or Hilton Honors app, you can see which hotels have digital/mobile key under the list of amenities. 

Screenshot sample of a hotel offering Digital Key as an amenity.

Now that you know you can easily check-in, check out, and even open your own door without coming in contact with anyone, have you changed your loyalties to a brand?

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