Do you own a hotel? While the job may not be quite as dramatic as depicted on The White Lotus (we hope), there is certainly a lot that goes into hotel management. Yes, you may have to deal with conflict among the staff or between surly customers, but the job doesn’t end there. There’s also the “silent” work, including budgeting and updating technological systems. For instance, traditional key cards use technology fueled by magnets. There may, however, come a time when you have to choose between specific magnetic technologies, so it’s important to know their pros and cons. 

Magnetic Key Cards

You’ll usually find one of two types of key cards in a hotel — magnetic stripe key cards and radio-frequency identification (RFID) key cards. You might want to distinguish these options in your mind as “traditional” vs. “modern. Here are details about the two types of magnetic key cards:  Magnetic stripe key card: these cards slide directly into a magnetized slot located on the doors to rooms. When the magnetic stripe lines up accurately, it unlocks. Within this category, you’ll often find cards with various levels of strength (i.e., LoCo vs. HiCo). As such, and because LoCo cards are easy to demagnetize when held close to a cell phone, the subtypes are often available at different costs.   RFID key card: this more advanced option allows for tap technology. Guests can touch the card to the pad on the door vs. sliding it into a slot. They tend to be highly adaptable, require less maintenance, and last longer.  Purely based on cost, most hotel owners will want to go with the classic magnetic stripe key. It’s much more affordable than the RFID key cards; however, they also don’t last as long. Evaluate your budget and customer base before making any decisions. Magnetic keys run at an estimated 10 cents per unit, but RFID cards range from 30 to over 90 cents per unit. Remember, many guests also take their keys with them when they go. This should all be taken into account.  Apex Magnets All Around the World If this topic pertains to you, consider reading our related blog, “Magnets in Hotels and Resorts.”  It describes how you can use disc magnets, sewing magnets, and bendable silicone magnet clips to organize or update your amenities. If you have questions about how you can implement the power of magnets in your hotel, contact us today.