key has no room information?
#32
Join Date: Feb 2018
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CMIIW, OP want to update his key for the new checkout time but FD ask him his ID before updating the key
OP not very happy as he think FD should just update the key as the active and valid key in his possession (and the knowledge of late checkout for the room) should suffice as ID.
Some older key systems actually didnt "update" the key ... FD have to create a new key with updated checkout information
Maybe newer one could do that.
And also, since it basically handing out a "new" key (on an reused keycard) some hotel require the FD to positively ID the person.
As the person who handed the key might not the authorised person for the room.
Also, some hotel does have very strict security in place.
On most of my stays, I book multiple rooms (for me and my parents) normally we will ask for 3 copies of keys for both rooms.
Sometimes we forgot to ask on check in
Most hotel happily provide the 3rd copy for my parents room when saw my ID
Some however, call the room to get approval from them before making a new copy.
The booking is registered and paid by me and I checked in for both room in only few mins or hours ago.
OP not very happy as he think FD should just update the key as the active and valid key in his possession (and the knowledge of late checkout for the room) should suffice as ID.
Some older key systems actually didnt "update" the key ... FD have to create a new key with updated checkout information
Maybe newer one could do that.
And also, since it basically handing out a "new" key (on an reused keycard) some hotel require the FD to positively ID the person.
As the person who handed the key might not the authorised person for the room.
Also, some hotel does have very strict security in place.
On most of my stays, I book multiple rooms (for me and my parents) normally we will ask for 3 copies of keys for both rooms.
Sometimes we forgot to ask on check in
Most hotel happily provide the 3rd copy for my parents room when saw my ID
Some however, call the room to get approval from them before making a new copy.
The booking is registered and paid by me and I checked in for both room in only few mins or hours ago.
#33
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Requiring positive ID is a good rule. IF the FDC knows the guest from previous interactions then less may be needed, though checking my room number was always good. However, if there is a chance someone is watching (co-worker, manager, etc.) then it's fine going through all the steps. I used to frequent one property so much the waiter in the restaurant would have a table and my drink ready when I came back down from dropping my luggage and shedding layers not needed for indoor activity. There were several FDCs that knew me by sight.
#34
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: ORD
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Posts: 5,594
Two-factor authentication is common today to safeguard customers of all types of businesses. Maybe you should just consider room card + ID as two-factor authentication and it would be easier to accept?
#35
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I don't have a problem w/ being asked for ID when asking for a new key & if I don't have ID, having security go w/ me to the room & have me provide it then. I have a couple of properties I stay at so much they know me quite well after staying at them for years, so they're not as strict about the ID thing (and because they're used to me forgetting the key in the room), but others that don't know me, sure verify who I say I am when I ask for a key. I'd rather they do that than just give out keys to rooms willy-nilly.
Cheers.
Cheers.
#36
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No, I disagree with the whole mentality that front-desk employees should be mindless automatons. I think that is why TSA is useless. Or most security in general.
Many people, even "low-level employees", have brains. And I think letting them use their brain is a good thing, not a bad thing.
Many people, even "low-level employees", have brains. And I think letting them use their brain is a good thing, not a bad thing.
So it's not so cut and dried IMO.
#37
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Fort Lauderdale, FL
Posts: 3,360
Generally the keys do have information about the room number, check-out date, and some additional information that the lock can use to lock-out other keys. The locks themselves are generally NOT linked to a central system, so have no way of validating information, or of receiving any information about which keys are in use. The better systems (especially those using RFID) will include a mechanism for "signing" the information so that the lock can confirm it's legitimate.
From what I have gleaned over the years is the lock (no connection to a central system) has a current code and when a key is used that matches, fine door opens. This is why they ask if you lost your key or not. The lock is also capable of moving to the "next code" thus locking out all previous keys. I've heard some even invalidate all codes if a wrong key is used multiple times (someone at the wrong door). It's a simple process, but seems to work. If someone really wanted to break in, then they could go through the hassle, but then that's true for just about any lock, key card or not.
"[E]ven if you build a world-wide network of super-computers designed just for the purpose of trying combinations as fast as possible, it would still take more than 100 billion years on average to stumble on the right one."
https://discover.realvnc.com/blog/ho...256-or-512-bit
I find it rather remarkable that anyone is complaining about needing to show ID to do anything related to guest room security.
Last edited by writerguyfl; May 6, 2019 at 7:28 pm Reason: Changed last sentence slightly.
#38
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#39
Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 304
This was in the news only 2 months ago www.thesun.co.uk/news/8510224
#40
Join Date: Mar 2019
Posts: 32
So I was asked for ID after going to the lobby to get my key redone for 4pm checkout (full service Marriott), after I had called At Your Service to request it and they told me to swing by to get my keys re-keyed.
They asked for ID, saying it is for security. Which I do not understand.
In explaining they said the key has no room information so telling them my name and room number means nothing. Someone could have that information.
So I said just send it up to my room and they said they would still need ID.
Are they just making this up or is it true? From a key the staff have no idea what room it is associated with?
They asked for ID, saying it is for security. Which I do not understand.
In explaining they said the key has no room information so telling them my name and room number means nothing. Someone could have that information.
So I said just send it up to my room and they said they would still need ID.
Are they just making this up or is it true? From a key the staff have no idea what room it is associated with?
#41
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: SIN
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Posts: 3,831
So I was asked for ID after going to the lobby to get my key redone for 4pm checkout (full service Marriott), after I had called At Your Service to request it and they told me to swing by to get my keys re-keyed.
They asked for ID, saying it is for security. Which I do not understand.
In explaining they said the key has no room information so telling them my name and room number means nothing. Someone could have that information.
So I said just send it up to my room and they said they would still need ID.
Are they just making this up or is it true? From a key the staff have no idea what room it is associated with?
They asked for ID, saying it is for security. Which I do not understand.
In explaining they said the key has no room information so telling them my name and room number means nothing. Someone could have that information.
So I said just send it up to my room and they said they would still need ID.
Are they just making this up or is it true? From a key the staff have no idea what room it is associated with?
I think it is the correct procedure. In case, you do not bring an ID, you can ask them issue the key and escort you to the room so that you can show them your ID.
You do not want the hotel just issue an keycard to anyone who can name your room number and your name right?
#42
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,324
I think it is the correct procedure. In case, you do not bring an ID, you can ask them issue the key and escort you to the room so that you can show them your ID.
You do not want the hotel just issue an keycard to anyone who can name your room number and your name right?
You do not want the hotel just issue an keycard to anyone who can name your room number and your name right?
#43
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Thinking about this I can remember a Marriott before mobile check in give me keys with my name only at check in using the elite line. Also a Residence Inn using mobile check in giving me keys with name only. A SpringHill Suites and Courtyard using mobile check in giving name and last 4 of credit card and given keys. A Four Points using mobile check in given keys with name only. In all cases they didn’t know me. Many times keys stop working between noon and 2 pm for 4 pm check out and keys refreshed with no ID just name, room number and expired keys. In any of these examples was proper procedure not followed??
They have some card insert they're supposed to put in the key card holder for mobile check-ins to read/reference (photo of such in a different thread on FT) that has the name (but not room #), status (M, S, G, P, T, A), # of nights, room type, last 4-digits of CC) so they can say when you arrive, Welcome Mr HHonors Outsider, we've been expecting you, would you like to use the CC ending in blah, blah? And after they've checked you in, they had over the key card holder - without the cheat sheet card. That gets torn up afterwards.
Cheers.
#44
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: SIN
Programs: TK-G | Accor P | SQ-G | Marriott T
Posts: 3,831
Thinking about this I can remember a Marriott before mobile check in give me keys with my name only at check in using the elite line. Also a Residence Inn using mobile check in giving me keys with name only. A SpringHill Suites and Courtyard using mobile check in giving name and last 4 of credit card and given keys. A Four Points using mobile check in given keys with name only. In all cases they didn’t know me. Many times keys stop working between noon and 2 pm for 4 pm check out and keys refreshed with no ID just name, room number and expired keys. In any of these examples was proper procedure not followed??
#45
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 7,875
From what I've been told by a property, the guests name should never appear on the key card holder on mobile check-ins. Just the room #, just like w/ regular check-ins.
They have some card insert they're supposed to put in the key card holder for mobile check-ins to read/reference (photo of such in a different thread on FT) that has the name (but not room #), status (M, S, G, P, T, A), # of nights, room type, last 4-digits of CC) so they can say when you arrive, Welcome Mr HHonors Outsider, we've been expecting you, would you like to use the CC ending in blah, blah? And after they've checked you in, they had over the key card holder - without the cheat sheet card. That gets torn up afterwards.
Cheers.
They have some card insert they're supposed to put in the key card holder for mobile check-ins to read/reference (photo of such in a different thread on FT) that has the name (but not room #), status (M, S, G, P, T, A), # of nights, room type, last 4-digits of CC) so they can say when you arrive, Welcome Mr HHonors Outsider, we've been expecting you, would you like to use the CC ending in blah, blah? And after they've checked you in, they had over the key card holder - without the cheat sheet card. That gets torn up afterwards.
Cheers.