Unlocking hotel rooms at Resorts World Las Vegas has been simplified, requiring just a few taps on your iPhone or Apple Watch. This iconic resort on The Strip is the first major establishment in Las Vegas to introduce digital room keys via Apple Wallet, allowing guests to access their rooms without needing to download a separate hotel application.
The resort, which boasts a $4.3 billion investment and opened in 2021, collaborated with Dormakaba, an access control provider, and Alliants, a guest experience enhancement firm, to unveil this innovative feature. Guests can now unlock doors using their iPhones or Apple Watches by simply placing their devices next to an NFC-equipped door lock.
Guests have the option to check in digitally up to 24 hours prior to arrival via skiptheline.rwlasvegas.com. Once check-in is successful and the room is assigned, the digital key becomes activated in the Apple Wallet. In case of a room number change or any extension of stay, the digital key updates automatically, eliminating the need for any front desk visit.
Express Mode and Power Reserve Features
The Apple Wallet room key utilizes Express Mode, which means guests won’t need to wake or unlock their devices to gain access. Additionally, if the iPhone’s battery runs low, the Power Reserve feature will allow room access for up to five hours, available for iPhone XS, XR, and later models.
Guests can also share their digital key with other iOS users via messaging or AirDrop. Beyond guest rooms, the key provides access to other specified areas within the resort, including elevators, pools, fitness centers, and shared areas, as per standard property settings.
Privacy Matters and Compatibility
As stated by Apple, the room key data saved in Apple Wallet remains confidential and is stored locally on the user’s device. Apple does not monitor which doors have been accessed. If a device is lost or stolen, users can easily disable the room key via the Find My app or iCloud, and can request a new key at the front desk.
This feature is compatible with iPhone 8 or newer running iOS 16.4 or higher, and Apple Watch Series 3 or later with WatchOS 9.2 or above. When the key is added to Apple Wallet on an iPhone, it is automatically synced with a paired Apple Watch.
“Our commitment to providing the best guest experience has always driven us, and we’re not hesitating to be at the forefront of innovations, especially with digital solutions like room keys in Apple Wallet,” remarked Shannon McCallum, the vice president of hotel operations at Resorts World Las Vegas.
In contrast to other Las Vegas hotels that depend on Bluetooth-based digital keys through brand-specific apps, Resorts World offers a seamless integration that allows guests to avoid downloading any applications, simply leveraging the built-in Apple Wallet feature.