According to a Mews survey, 70% of American travelers would choose self-service check-in over a traditional front desk, with that number rising to 82% among Gen Z travelers. 
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As more properties adapt to these changing guest expectations, smart locks are often one of the first technologies considered. While upgrading to smart locks requires an upfront investment, advances in technology have made these solutions available to a wide range of property types, sizes, and budgets. 

This article breaks down the costs associated with installing hotel smart locks and explores the benefits and return on investment (ROI) these systems can deliver.

What Hotel Keycards Are Really Costing You

Before evaluating the cost of smart locks, it’s worth reviewing the ongoing costs of traditional keycard systems. While keycards may appear inexpensive on a per-card basis, the true cost of managing a keycard system extends beyond the cards themselves.
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A branded RFID keycard typically costs around $0.50, but that’s only part of the equation. Industry data shows that around 39% of hotel keycards are never returned. For a 100-room property at 80% occupancy issuing two cards per stay, that’s over 22,000 cards lost or unaccounted for each year. 

Beyond the cards, there’s the operational overhead: staff time spent programming cards at check-in, replacing demagnetized cards, managing inventory, and handling lockouts. These tasks can consume 1-2 hours of front desk time per day at a typical property — time that could be spent on higher-value guest interactions. 
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What are Smart Locks for Hotels?

Hotel smart locks replace physical keys and keycards with digital access credentials, such as PIN codes, mobile keys, RFID, Bluetooth, or a combination. Depending on the system, operators can issue, modify, and revoke access remotely, as well as monitor entry and lock status through a centralized platform. 

Costs to Consider When Installing Hotel Smart Locks

The initial cost of installing smart locks depends on several factors, including the type of system you choose, the number of doors, installation requirements, and any software or integration needs.

While smart locks typically come with a higher upfront cost than traditional lock systems, they can significantly reduce the ongoing costs associated with keycard systems. Lost or demagnetized cards, manual key distribution, and other access-related tasks are largely eliminated, reducing operational overhead.

Here are some of the primary costs to consider:

1. Hardware: Smart locks are generally more expensive upfront than traditional locks due to the technology they incorporate. The cost per door varies based on features, durability, and the brand. Some systems may charge a premium for advanced features like mobile key integration or cloud-based management, while others include these capabilities as part of the overall solution. ‍
2. Installation and Setup: Installation requirements vary by system. While some smart locks may require additional wiring, infrastructure, or door modifications, others are designed to retrofit existing doors, making installation quick and simple. Depending on the complexity of the project and available resources, properties may choose to handle installation internally or work with a professional installer. ‍
3. Ongoing Costs: Beyond the initial investment, it’s important to understand any recurring costs. Some lock vendors charge ongoing subscription fees as part of their pricing model, while others do not. Looking at the total cost of ownership over time can provide a more accurate picture of the long-term investment. 

The Benefits and ROI of Hotel Smart Locks

Implementing smart door locks for hotels can lead to substantial savings such as:

1. Labor and Administrative Costs: One of the biggest advantages of smart locks is the reduction in daily administrative work, including issuing keycards, replacing lost or demagnetized cards, and maintaining inventory. Instead, access is delivered digitally through PIN codes or mobile keys. This helps reduce front desk workload and frees up time for higher-value priorities and guest interactions.  
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2. Increased Guest Satisfaction: Guests increasingly expect seamless, tech-forward experiences during their stays. Smart locks support faster check-ins and eliminate the need to visit the front desk for a physical key. A smoother arrival experience can improve guest reviews, attract more bookings, and support higher room rates, all of which contribute to the property's bottom line.
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3. Opportunities for Further Automation: Beyond room access, smart locks become the foundation for broader operational automation when integrated with property management systems or automation software. Whether you want to offer a fully digital check-in process, increase revenue with upsells, or manage energy systems, the possibilities are vast. With a broad range of integration partners, 33 Lock gives operators the flexibility to build a technology stack tailored to their property's unique needs.

How 33 Lock Stands Out

When comparing smart lock options, it’s important to consider both the initial costs and the long-term benefits of the system you choose. 33 Lock offers a highly cost-effective solution, often at half the price of many competitors.

Built specifically for the hospitality industry, 33 Lock’s smart locks provide a wide range of access options, including PIN codes, digital keys, remote unlock, and key cards. This flexibility ensures operators can tailor the guest experience to meet various guest needs and preferences. The retrofit-friendly design of the locks helps simplify installation and reduce project costs.

Combined with broad integration capabilities and no recurring subscription fees, 33 Lock offers an affordable, flexible solution that delivers long-term savings and value.

The Bottom Line: Is it Worth the Investment?

Hotel smart locks offer substantial long-term savings and operational efficiencies, making them a valuable investment. From reducing operational overhead to improving the guest experience, they can deliver meaningful value well beyond access control.

33 Lock offers a flexible, cost-effective solution that allows properties to modernize their access control systems and boost their bottom line.