Originally Posted by
Ilove2fly
I have heard that as well. I always thought it was an urban myth. If it is true then it is best to return them and have them reprogrammed when hotels reuse them. I try very hard to always return them for environmental reasons. Some smaller hotels in Asia will charge you a large fee if you don't return them. As for the hotel rooms requiring a key to keep power on, I always ask for two keys even if I am the only one in the room.
It is rare. I dont want to give impression otherwise. However it does happen. Room keys on cruises are one of the most common. Not sure why not just the room number, except would allow merchant to have a card to charge if room charge was declined.