Safety is still paramount for those that are traveling today and putting guests at ease is a top priority. So, of the major brands (Marriott, Hilton, IHG), Cogwheel Marketing did a little research on which brand the best contactless opportunities for guests. 

All three of the major brands offer some form of digital check-in, one thing they do all have in common is you must be a rewards member. Easy, all you have to do is sign up. Now that eligibility is out of the way, let’s get to the nitty-gritty. 

IHG App Contactless Options

  • Offers Mobile check-in for all IHG branded hotels in the Americas effective November 1, 2020
    • Must be IHG Rewards Club ELITE member to have mobile check-in.
    • Can request early arrival and a text will be sent when your room is ready.

Join IHG Rewards Club here

Marriott Bonvoy App Contactless Options

  •  Offers Mobile check-in and mobile key 
    • Mobile Check-In – Check-in from anywhere and you will receive a notification when your room is ready.
      • Can opt-out of housekeeping during your stay when checking in (free bonus points with this option)
      • Gives you quick info about hotel amenities, local dining, transportation, and attractions. 
    • Mobile Key- for unlocking rooms, parking garages, fitness center, lounge, pool, and other areas around the hotel. 
      • Has a Siri shortcut for IOS12 and up (she will open the door)
  • Mobile requests- Gives a list of amenities to choose from 

Create a Marriott Bonvoy Account here

Hilton Honors App Contactless Options 

  • Offers Mobile Check-in and Mobile Key
    • Check-in up to 24 hours before check-in time next day
    • Choose your room of choice before arriving from a digital floor plan.
    • Purchase room upgrades if available and request specific amenities that will be delivered to your room before arrival.
  • Digital Key- unlock your room, parking garage, fitness center, lounge, pool, and other public areas around the hotel from your app. 
  • Integrates with OTA bookings for HHonors members.

Create a Hilton Honors account here

Which Hotel Brand has the Best App to Stay Contactless?

Marriott and Hilton both offer digital key, but keep in mind this technology is still fairly new technology and not rolled out to every hotel quite yet. When booking from your Marriott Bonvoy app or Hilton Honors app, you can see which hotels have digital/mobile key under the list of amenities. 

Now that you know you can easily check-in, check out, and even open your own door without coming in contact with anyone, have you changed your loyalties to a brand?