This is helpful information, thanks. This is clearly a point in the Hilton column. I almost never fail to get my digital key with OLCI @ Hilton properties that advertise it.

Touche. In which case, it doesn't!

Just before COVID, I was booking a non refundable room for my son’s job market conference. Marriott insisted that the credit card used to pay for reservation must be presented at check in where as Hilton required just ID and any valid credit card.

One of many issues I have with Marriott online check in and supposed mobile key is when I let the front desk know I didn’t receive the mobile key they say after you give ID and a credit card I will send you the mobile key. So in other words they are intentionally misleading the customer that you can go straight to your room with the Marriott App. This has happened at Hyatt Place also. Never at Hilton.

Typically, regardless of if I have done online check-in or not, I am asked for ID and to confirm the last 4 digits of the card on file in my profile for the charges. Occasionally a property will also ask for the physical credit card as well.

As for digital keys, I am not a fan of them. Just my personal preference. A couple of summers ago when staying at a new FI in the Adirondacks area, they were having trouble issuing physical cards that worked. After multiple failed attempts, they suggested and I did get a digital key. For the most part it worked fine. I can see for folks who like digital keys where it would be a big issue if they aren't reliable at Marriott properties. YMMV....

--Jon

I am almost always asked for the physical credit card at check-in - either to verify the names match or (about 50%) to insert into the CC machine. It's an exception when the property doesn't ask - note that I have the same experience with Hyatt.

On the mobile key point, they were a lifesaver once after I locked myself and my keys in the room at Camelback Inn after I stepped on the patio and closed the auto-locking door behind me without shoes on. The mobile key, which I was able to get activated, prevented me from having to wait for Security or tiptoe to the front desk.