It works via Bluetooth. Hilton is one of the hotel chains that use it too and this is what I found on their website:
"On the day of arrival, the Digital Key will be available once the room is ready. When the smartphone is in range of the selected room, a signal is sent through Bluetooth to unlock the room. The registered guest then clicks on the button in the app to unlock the room. No need to stop at the front desk, just head straight to relaxation!"
"The functionality of the mobile key feature varies by provider and hotel. Generally, your phone’s Bluetooth setting needs to be on for keys to work. These electronic keys may also provide access to other areas on the property, such as the fitness center, lounge, elevator or parking garage. You may also be able to perform other tasks like taking a call while using the key.
The mobile key feature has become available on more mobile devices at a growing list of hotel properties:
- Marriott and SPG hotels offer it at over 400 properties
- Hilton offers its digital key at over 1,000 properties
- Intercontinental Hotels and Resorts is piloting the feature
- Radisson RED, a lifestyle hotel brand, offers the mobile key option at three properties
The FBI says it has not seen any cases of compromised hotel mobile key systems in the U.S."
So, I think to answer your question.....It works via Bluetooth which means your Bluetooth function on your must be "ON" in order for this to work properly.
I like it even worst now. I hate the BT in my phone.... it needs to be reconnected everytime you turn it on again, and leaving it on the whole day just dries out the battery.
I like it even worst now. I hate the BT in my phone.... it needs to be reconnected everytime you turn it on again, and leaving it on the whole day just dries out the battery.
Magicbands for me pleassssssssssssssse
I completely agree
Prior: Offsite most every other years from 1972 - 2000
Most recent: Offsite 2001 & 2003 / ASM 2006 / Offsite 2009 / Poly 2011 / POR 2013 / CR 2014 / GF 2015 / DS Hotel 2017 / BC 2017 / POR 2018
So....we just got back from a quick trip to WDW. Well actually, we went the second weekend in November but have just been way to busy to get online.
We stayed at the Port Orleans Riverside and tried the new keyless entry. For us, it was just faster to use the MagicBands.
Here are some hints to using the system: 1. Go to the app as you are standing in front of the door. We got to the app and to the place to scan the lock prior to getting to the door so that all we had to do was scan the lock. But...it didn't work. You have to stand at your door and then go to the app to scan the lock.
2. Have to have a hand free to hold the phone against the lock. If you have your hands full with luggage, refillable cups or gift bags, we thought it was easier to press your MagicBand against the lock and turn the handle at the same time.
For us, it was a cool idea but not worth the design power and app upgrade to use it. Except for the times of testing how it worked, we used our MagicBands.
Prior: Offsite most every other years from 1972 - 2000
Most recent: Offsite 2001 & 2003 / ASM 2006 / Offsite 2009 / Poly 2011 / POR 2013 / CR 2014 / GF 2015 / DS Hotel 2017 / BC 2017 / POR 2018
So....we just got back from a quick trip to WDW. Well actually, we went the second weekend in November but have just been way to busy to get online.
We stayed at the Port Orleans Riverside and tried the new keyless entry. For us, it was just faster to use the MagicBands.
Here are some hints to using the system: 1. Go to the app as you are standing in front of the door. We got to the app and to the place to scan the lock prior to getting to the door so that all we had to do was scan the lock. But...it didn't work. You have to stand at your door and then go to the app to scan the lock.
2. Have to have a hand free to hold the phone against the lock. If you have your hands full with luggage, refillable cups or gift bags, we thought it was easier to press your MagicBand against the lock and turn the handle at the same time.
For us, it was a cool idea but not worth the design power and app upgrade to use it. Except for the times of testing how it worked, we used our MagicBands.
Thanks for the tip!
"Life is a journey to be experienced, not a problem to be solved." — Pooh, Winnie the Pooh
There is less security problems then you think. This system has been use for over a year in a lot of high-end hotels (A Loft, Ritz, etc...) I personally think it is a great idea. Soooo many people carry SmartPhones including kids and they have that with them everywhere they go. So, why not do it? It is the way technology is going and if you don't keep up with it, it will pass you by.
Rich, I enjoy living in the past and with that, like Jimmy said "if the phone doesn't ring, it's me".
I didn't realize the system was already used.
Mike it’s time to step into the future....Walt believed in progress!
second star to the right and straight on till morning
This is a cool idea, but I am on Doc side with the practically of it. A sleeping child, stroller full of souvenirs, drinks and food, do not help with opening a door. Give me my Magic Band any day!
"Life is a journey to be experienced, not a problem to be solved." — Pooh, Winnie the Pooh