Table of Contents
A key is used to open any lock.
Operation of Locks
All doors of the guests’ rooms in hotels lock automatically when we close them. This is designed to offer maximum security. Inside on the doorknob, there is a small button which enables the guest to double lock the door from inside for maximum security. When the door is double locked small pin shows outside, then the hotel staff will not enter the room and treat the guest room as a DOUBLE LOCKED (D/L) room. Many hotels also have chains inside the rooms for extra security at night for the guests.
Types of Keys
Metal Keys
The traditional locks which open with metal keys and heavy key tags are attached to them with hotel name and room no. printed on the tags.
Computerised Key Cards
In the modern days, computerized key cards have replaced traditional metal keys. These keys are programmed by computers and look like credit cards and are also known as CARD KEYS. They can have magnetic strips at the back of the key card, or some have punched holes which are programmed.
Categories of Keys
1. Guestroom Keys
These keys are issued to the guest by the front office on arrival. The guestroom keys open a single guestroom but not the double-locked ones. Normally guest keys have heavy key tags to discourage them from taking it out of the premises.
2. Master Keys
These keys open the guestrooms that are not double locked and the four levels are:-
a) Sub Master Keys/Section Keys:- These are issued to room attendants, Valets, Room Service waiters, Minibar Service staff. Usually, the key opens the door of a section of room on a floor only but not the double-locked ones. Section means 12-15 room as assigned by management to be maintained by one chambermaid/room attendant. Chambermaid/room attendant is expected to wear a gadget (waist belt) around their waist for the safety of the keys.
b) Floor Master Keys:- These keys are issued to floor supervisors. This key opens the entire floor. It enables floor supervisor to supervise all the room which are not double locked. Floor supervisors will be issued more than one-floor master key if they are responsible for more than one floor.
c) Pass key/Master key:- This is generally issued to Deputy Housekeeper /Assistant Housekeeper. This key allows access to all the room in all the floors of a hotel which is not double locked. It enables Assistant Housekeeper to check any room at any time at random. This key at times can also be issued to Floor supervisor in case they are responsible for many floors at a time.
d) Grandmaster key:- This is the only master key which can open the room even if it is double locked. Opening a double locked door means interfering in guest privacy so managements consent is required to use this key. It can also double lock a room if access has to be denied. Due to the importance of the key, this is kept only with Executive Housekeeper, General Manager and Rooms Division Manager and Security Manager.
3. Emergency Key
This key is used very rarely only in emergency situations like fire, or when an employee is locked in the room. This key opens all the doors of the hotel which are double locked and can also double lock a room to restrict access. It is generally kept in hotel safe, or safety deposit box.
4. Supply Keys
These keys are used storerooms, linen room, office where the cleaning agents and equipments, important documents are stored.
Some other programmed key cards are
5. Power Down or Back up Key Card: – In the event of power failure or computer maintenance, pre-prepared power down or backup keys are issued to guests checking-in. These are usually kept in a secure place with the duty manager.
6. Guest Lockout Key Card:– This key may be issued to block a guest’s entrance into a room. A new key-card will return the lock to normal.
7. Maintenance or One-Shot Key card:- This is like a Guest key but is issued to a staff, usually someone who is on contract, like a T. V Engineer. This key will open only one room in which he/she has to enter to do the work or repairs, and can be used only once.
8. Timer Controlled Key Cards:– Apart from the magnetic strip key cards, some hotels use door locking system, which operate through a clock located within the lock. The key card is issued for the room at the time of check-in, for the duration of the guest’s stay, so that the card ceases to be valid at a pre-determined time on the day of the departure. It can be used in situations like when the guest doesn’t check-out in their scheduled time without information or when the guest doesn’t clear / settle his account within their credit limit after reminders too.