Hilton to launch online room selection, mobile phone room keys

Travellers will soon be able to choose their exact hotel room by checking-in online when staying with the likes of Hilton, Waldorf Astoria and Conrad Hotels, while also using their phone as a room key.

In an expansion of the current ‘eCheck-In’ system for Gold and Diamond members of Hilton HHonors, all guests can soon browse digital floor plans of the hotel to select their preferred room, along with the option to pay for upgrades or to make further special requests.

To streamline departure, digital check-out – currently available at all U.S. hotels and selected Conrad properties through the Conrad Concierge app – will also be rolled out globally.

“In a recent study, 84% of business travellers surveyed said they wanted the ability to choose their own room,” said Geraldine Calpin, Senior Vice President and Global Head of Digital at Hilton Worldwide.

“We are giving our guests the ability to do just that by enabling them to select not just their room type, but the exact location in the hotel, all the way down to their room number.”

Selecting your room

Starting at 6am on the day before arrival, Hilton HHonors members – whether Blue, Silver, Gold or Diamond – can access their account online to browse for vacant rooms on a hotel’s floor plans, much in the same way as reviewing a seat map before a long flight.

Room availability is updated in real-time, which avoids two travellers giving preference for the same room.

After making your selection, you’ll also be given the chance to pay for a room upgrade or to request specific or additional amenities for your room to await your arrival.

By the end of next month, digital check-in and room selection is expected for guests at all U.S. Hilton, Conrad, Waldorf Astoria, Hilton Garden Inn, Homewood Suites and Home2 Suites properties.

Mobile room keys

In 2015, Hilton will enable room access via smartphones, with all U.S. hotels across the four major brands jumping on board by that year’s end.

“Travelers can use their smartphones as boarding passes to get to their seats on an airplane, so it is only natural that they will want to use them as a way to enter their hotel rooms,” said Christopher Nassetta, President and CEO of Hilton Worldwide.

By the end of 2016, the majority of its rooms worldwide will be equipped with this functionality.

To completely avoid visiting the front desk, digital check-out – where the final bill is sent to your email address – is expected to become available under the same timeframe.

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Chris C.

Chris is a a former contributor to Executive Traveller.