One positive change that we've been seeing is hotels moving away from plastic key cards and switching to eco-friendly hotel key cards. Traditional plastic key cards create a huge waste problem as many guests throw them away or give them back when they check out. Hotels have to order new cards every month to replace the ones that disappear.
The new eco-friendly options work fine but break down naturally instead of sitting in landfills for decades. Hotels love them because they save money in the long run and help with their green initiatives.
Major hotel chains like Marriott, Hilton, and IHG have already started testing these alternatives in hundreds of their properties.
One of the coolest replacements we've been seeing is wooden key cards, also called eco-friendly hotel key cards. These are made of wood and work with the same card readers hotels already have.
The wood key cards feel different in your hand - more premium than plastic. Hotels can laser-engrave their logos and designs into the wood, which looks really sharp.
Some hotels are even letting guests keep these as souvenirs since they're biodegradable.
In hotels, paper-based key cards are also being used to replace plastic key cards. But these aren't made of regular paper. They are made with special coatings that make them durable enough to last a hotel stay but can still be recycled.
These cards can be easily put in pockets, purses, and can handle even light moisture.
Eco-friendly hotel key cards are designed to either break down safely or be made from recycled materials that can be recycled again.
Here's what hotels are looking for in replacements:
Hotels worry about guest reactions when they make changes, but the feedback on sustainable key cards has been very positive. Guests appreciate that hotels are thinking about the environment.
Eco-friendly hotel key cards made from wood especially get great reactions. People like the way they feel and look. Some guests even ask if they can keep them as mementos from their stay.
Paper cards don't get the same "wow" factor, but guests don't complain about them either. They work just fine and most people don't even notice the difference until they try to throw them away and realize they can go in recycling.
Hotels are always looking for ways to improve guest experience while reducing costs and environmental impact. Eco friendly hotel key cards are just the beginning.
The old plastic key cards aren't going to disappear immediately, but they're definitely on their way out. The alternatives work just as well, cost about the same, and help hotels show they care about the environment. For most hotels, it's becoming an easy choice to make.
Are you supposed to give back hotel key cards?
Yes, it's customary to return hotel key cards to the front desk when checking out. This helps the hotel keep track of their keys and ensures that the room is secure.
What kind of RFID cards do hotels use?
Hotels typically use RFID cards, which stands for Radio Frequency Identification. These cards use radio waves to communicate with the hotel's locking system, allowing guests to access their rooms.
How to tell if card is NFC or RFID?
To tell if a card is NFC or RFID, look for the card's antenna. RFID cards usually have a coil-shaped antenna, while NFC cards have a smaller, straight antenna. You can also check the card's documentation or manufacturer's website for more information.
