Accor Key provides a digital eco-saving solution

In line with its strategy to provide a contactless guest journey, Accor has announced the global roll-out of its digital ‘Accor Key’ solution, which provides customers with a keyless door entry to their rooms and other parts of the chain’s properties.

On arrival, guests will receive their room key virtually by downloading Accor’s digital key app.

Using their smartphones, they will then be given access to bedrooms as well as entry to meeting rooms and appropriate floors via lifts. Upon departure, the mobile key will automatically be deactivated.

The Accor Key programme, which is being delivered in partnership with STAYmyway, is also intended to reduce the amount of plastic used for traditional key cards, as well as cardboard for the key holder.

“A recent Deloitte study shows that 60% of travellers are more likely to stay at a hotel that allows contactless check-in and the ability to use a smartphone as a room key – 16% even say it’s a ‘must have'”, said Faustino Fernandez, STAYmyway founder and CEO. “The demand is even higher for frequent travellers.”

Following successful pilot programmes in Europe, North America and Asia, the roll-out will begin in all new Accor hotels opening in 2021. It will then extend to pre-existing properties with an objective to equip 500 hotels with the scheme this year, and at least 50% of all rooms across the group’s portfolio within the next five years.

Patrick Mendes, Accor’s chief commercial officer, in charge of sales, marketing, distribution and loyalty, added: “Making contactless and seamless guest experiences a reality is a priority for Accor. Accor Key is a great example of how the group can build solutions and deploy them efficiently in all our operating countries.”