Hotel chain Accor has begun rolling out a digital key to provide guests with contactless entry into their rooms and other facilities around the company’s hotels.

The key works via the ‘Accor Key’ app, which guests download to receive their virtual room key. This key gives customers access to their rooms, entry to meeting rooms, and floor access via lifts all with just the tap of their smartphone. Once the guest has checked out, the mobile key is automatically deactivated.

“We are thrilled to announce the launch of Accor key within our entire network. Making contactless and seamless guest experiences a reality is a priority for Accor,” said Patrick Mendes, Chief Commercial Officer at Accor. “Accor key is a great example of how the Group can build solutions and deploy them efficiently in all Accor operating countries.”

Accor aims to introduce digital key usage in all of its new hotels opening in 2021 and in at least 500 of its existing hotels by the end of the year. Within the next five years, Accor expects at least 50 per cent of all its rooms to make use of the key.