What is key control?
Key control is a measure hotels take to ensure that only authorized guests can access the rooms. It consists of a set of policies and procedures that ensure there is no unauthorized use of keys.
The most common approach to key control is through locks on the doors. The lock is connected to a computer that logs when someone exits or enters a room. This allows hotels to track how many people are in a room at any given time, so they can ensure no one is staying beyond their reservation.
Some hotels use electronic key cards instead of traditional keys. These cards contain an RFID chip that can be read by a reader embedded in the doorframe. When you approach your door, it will automatically unlock itself if you have been granted access by the management system. This makes checking in much faster than waiting for an employee to let you into your room with a physical key!
What are common Key Control procedures?
Key control procedures can vary from hotel to hotel, but there are some common elements:
- The registration desk is where you get your room keys (and often where you check in). This is where the most security measures are taken and where staff is trained on how to spot suspicious behavior around the keys.
- Hotel rooms often use two different kinds of locks—one for guests' rooms and one for staff areas like the kitchen or laundry room. The staff areas typically have a deadbolt lock that requires a key from both sides of the door. This ensures that no one can enter without permission.
- Hotel rooms ensure that housekeeping and other staff do not allow guests into rooms for any reason. Instead they direct the guest to the front desk so that a Photo ID can be presented to receive a key.
