Sharing of digital keys across multiple devices is now possible in the Hilton Honors smartphone app as part of a suite of upgrades designed at improving the guest experience.
The key sharing function works by a primary guest sending an invitation to up to four travel companions, who must each also have the Hilton Honors app and an active account in the loyalty program.
Following a security check which happens in the background, the secondary guest can then accept the invitation and using the key, gain access to the same room as the primary guest along with other facilities available to that booking. For security purposes, secondary guests cannot further share the key to other devices.
Further improvements to the app include the ability for advance confirmation of complimentary room upgrades subject to availability. For eligible Gold and Diamond members of Hilton Honors, members receiving a room upgrade will be notified of the change 72 hours prior to arrival, enabling the guest to then choose their specific room ahead of arrival.
The latest upgrades to the app come following the company’s introduction earlier this year of the ‘Confirmed Connecting Rooms’ functionality which allows bookings of multiple rooms to confirm interconnecting rooms in advance to ensure groups or families can stay together.
Hilton Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, Chris Silcock, said the company has always had its guests at the heart of everything it does.
“Our approach to technology always starts with the guest experience, and as travel returns, we are pleased to provide Hilton guests with enhancements to their stay that are seamless, flexible and allow them to focus on what matters most – creating new memories,” he said.
More than 80% of Hilton’s global portfolio, or around 5,400 of a total 6,600 properties, have been fitted with the Hilton Digital Key technology. Since its introduction in 2015, the app has been used to open more than 135 million room doors and contributed to a reduction of 125 tonnes of plastic room keys.
“Our guests across Asia Pacific are among the most digitally connected and savvy,” said Hilton Senior Vice President and Commercial Director, Asia Pacific, Ben George.
“They value the convenience of having all that they need in the palm of their hands, and we continue to cater to these expectations with our industry-leading digital innovations.”