The next time you check into a hotel, you might not need a key

The next time you check into a hotel, you might not need a key. Guests at QT Sydney, operated by EVT Hotels & Resorts, can now access their rooms using a digital key stored in their Apple or Google wallet. This marks the beginning of a broader shift in hospitality technology, as EVT becomes the first multi-brand hotel group in Australia to roll out mobile wallet hotel keys across its portfolio, including QT, Rydges, Atura and LyLo. The initiative, launched in August 2026, begins with QT Sydney and is set to expand across all four brands over the coming months. The transition from physical keys to digital alternatives is gaining momentum globally. While major hotel chains such as Hilton, Marriott and Accor have long offered mobile keys through their own apps, the integration of these keys directly into widely used digital wallets represents a significant leap forward. By embedding room access into platforms like Apple Wallet and Google Pay, already used for payments, transit passes and other services, hotels eliminate the need for additional apps or devices. This simplifies the guest experience while streamlining operations for hotel management. At QT Sydney, the implementation of this technology is already underway. Guests can add their room key to Apple Wallet and use their iPhone or Apple Watch to unlock doors. The feature known as “Express Mode” allows users to bypass unlocking their device, authenticating with Face ID or opening the wallet altogether. Compatible iPhones can maintain functionality for up to five hours after the battery requires charging, offering flexibility during stays. The digital key updates automatically if a guest changes rooms or extends their stay, and it is remotely deactivated once the stay concludes. In the case of a lost phone, marking the device as lost also disables the hotel key, enhancing security. This innovation builds upon earlier efforts by companies like Hyatt, which introduced Room Keys in Apple Wallet at six U.S. locations in 2021. However, the current push toward digital access goes further, driven by the release of Aliro 1.0, a new digital access standard developed by the Connectivity Standards Alliance. Backed by Apple, Google and Samsung, Aliro aims to enable cross-platform compatibility, allowing smartphones and smartwatches to function seamlessly across different access systems. Hotels are among the intended applications of this standard, signaling a future where digital keys become more universal and less reliant on proprietary technologies. For hotel operators, the move to digital keys offers tangible benefits beyond convenience. Physical key cards require purchase, encoding, replacement and eventual disposal, contributing to both cost and environmental concerns. Many travelers have recounted arriving home with a lingering key card tucked away in their belongings. By adopting digital solutions, hotels can reduce expenses associated with managing physical keys while minimizing waste. EVT emphasizes that reducing reliance on cards is a key factor behind its decision to implement the technology. Security is another critical advantage of digital keys. Unlike traditional key cards, which can be misplaced or stolen, digital credentials are integrated into the security framework of the guest’s personal device. They can be remotely disabled if a phone is lost or compromised, offering greater control over access. Additionally, the ability to manage permissions and revoke access instantly enhances overall safety for both guests and property managers. While the adoption of digital keys does not entirely replace the role of reception desks, it does streamline certain aspects of the check-in process. Apple’s integration of check-in and room assignment into the Wallet experience enables guests to receive their room key before arrival, potentially allowing them to bypass front-desk interactions altogether. This trend reflects a larger industry-wide effort to digitize booking, payment and other services, making the entire hospitality experience more efficient and user-friendly. As EVT continues to expand its digital key offerings, the broader implications for the hospitality sector remain clear. The shift from physical keys to digital access is not just a technological advancement, it is a transformation in how hotels interact with guests, manage resources and uphold security standards. With continued support from tech giants and evolving industry standards, the day when a physical key is no longer necessary may be closer than ever.