What are the main types of hotel door lock systems?

The biggest categories include magstripe / magnetic card locks, RFID / keycard systems, PIN / keypad locks, and mobile / smart locks (Bluetooth, BLE, or app-based).

How does a magnetic keycard (magstripe) lock work and what are its limitations?

The guest swipes a card with a magnetic stripe; the lock reads the encoded data to grant access. These locks are simple and cheap, but are prone to demagnetization, wear, and card failures.

Why is RFID more commonly used than magnetic stripe in modern hotels?

RFID (radio frequency identification) is contactless (tap rather than swipe), typically more durable, less prone to errors, and can store more secure data. It also integrates better with modern PMS systems.

Are there known vulnerabilities in popular hotel lock systems?

Yes. For instance, some RFID keycard systems (e.g., certain Dormakaba/Saflok models) have been found vulnerable to hacking by reverse-engineering keycard data.

Home BlogThe 4 Key Types of Hotel Door Lock Systems Explained

The 4 Key Types of Hotel Door Lock Systems Explained

Oct 14, 2025

Mika Takahashi