Originally Posted by
PayItForward
Do not be surprised if you are charged as a no-show.
Property can tell if the virtual key was used on the property (lift / room etc).
One of the things I find interesting is that people often over-estimate the sophistication of hotel room key systems, as I believe you are doing. Yes, they probably can tell if the key was used, but to do that they would probably have to query the lock by Bluetooth (the app on your phone communicates with the door lock by Bluetooth). I find it highly unlikely that the night auditor would actually check this before processing your bill early the morning of your check out if you've checked in and received a digital key.
Originally Posted by
wantan
Have you tried this before ?
I have not, but I'd be open for someone sharing their experience of what has happened when they've checked-in (with or without a digital key) and not shown up and not cancelled the reservation. The couple of times I have checked-in then didn't end up arriving at the hotel the hotels were kind enough to cancel my reservation without penalty, so I have not had a need to test it.
Originally Posted by
Hotel Points Guy
I can't vouch for the check in online, but never actually show up method, as I've never done it before. But I will say that plenty of cheap rates can be found at business hotels this time of year during the week of Thanksgiving and Christmas. Business travel practically ceases during these weeks, and business hotels tend to adjust their rates majorly downward in an attempt to fill rooms. As a data point, I recently stayed at a Charlotte, NC area Double Tree on the Monday and Tuesday of Thanksgiving for an MVP rate of about $87 a night!
Agreed, but that doesn't mean I wouldn't like to save some money if I need a few extra stays. I may just stay at a local Embassy Suites and load up on cheap, but free, liquor and breakfast and let my kids splash around in the indoor pool a bit.
I completely know and understand that a no show will not get you credit, however what I'm less sure about is if you check-in online, then if you check-in online and get assigned a digital key it seems like you'd be pretty safely assured of getting credit.