Aloft Announces New Smart Check-In Program

We're not a huge fan of the Aloft Hotel experience but we are intrigued by the announcement today that Aloft Hotels will be using a new check-in service that allows guest to bypass the front desk and head directly to their rooms.

Here's how the press release describes the new Smart Check-In:

Through the pilot, currently being tested at the Aloft hotel in Lexington, MA, select Starwood Preferred Guest? members who opt to participate in the program, which runs on radio frequency identification (RFID) technology, receive an enhanced SPG / Aloft-branded RFID keycard.

On the day of a planned stay, a text message is sent to the guest’s mobile device with their room number at Aloft Lexington. Once at the hotel, guests can skip the check-in line and go straight to the room, where their keycard will unlock the door, giving guests control of their check-in experience in the palms of their hands.

Starwood also hopes to have the keycard work as an "all-access pass" throughout the Aloft stay which can be used at the w xyz bar, the retail kiosks and the snack shop. We have to admit, that's pretty cool, especially for frequent travelers.

Although, you better hold on tight to your Aloft-branded RFID card. You don't want someone else buying the hotel a round of drinks and endless Twinkies on your Aloft card.

Source: www.hotelchatter.com