The Illusion of Savings

For hotel owners and operators, it’s easy to justify going with the cheapest access control option. After all, locks are locks—right? You just need something that opens doors, fits the budget, and checks a box for the next renovation cycle.

But in today’s hospitality landscape, access control systems are no longer “just hardware.” They’re a vital part of your guest experience, your operational efficiency, and your ability to scale securely. And when the lowest bid becomes the deciding factor, hotels often pay far more in frustration, lost time, and brand damage than they ever saved upfront.

When “Low Cost” Turns Into High Risk

The initial price tag might look attractive. But what happens six months down the road when the technology can’t keep up? Cheap access control systems can undermine your operations and guest satisfaction. While they may tick the “budget-friendly” box upfront, they often fall short in critical areas that matter most to guests and staff.

• Limited or no support for Apple Wallet or mobile key technology
• Unreliable performance that frustrates guests and increases front desk burden
• Lack of PMS integration, requiring manual workflows or third-party workarounds
• Vendor lock-in that prevents switching platforms without replacing hardware
• Inadequate support after installation—especially during emergencies

These compromises quickly add up. And when you’re running a hotel where every guest touchpoint matters, the access experience is too important to risk on outdated or underpowered systems.

“A study by Cornell University found that a one-point increase in a hotel’s online review score (on a 5-point scale) can lead to an 11.2% increase in room rates without affecting occupancy.”
Read the full study »

What It Could Cost Your Hotel

Going cheap isn’t just about hardware trade-offs—it impacts your revenue, brand reputation, and the guest journey. What may seem like a minor tech decision can snowball into serious long-term consequences. Below are some of the most common ways a low-quality access control system can hurt your business.

Poor Guest Experience

Slow check-ins. Keys that don’t work. An app no one wants to download. These are not just minor annoyances—they’re brand-damaging moments that guests remember. Convenience is no longer a perk—it’s the expectation.

Operational Inefficiency

Cheap systems often mean more manual intervention. Your staff wastes time troubleshooting key issues, answering calls, or juggling legacy tools that don’t talk to each other. That translates into higher labor costs and lost productivity.

Lost Bookings and Bad Reviews

Guests are more vocal than ever. One negative experience can ripple across your revenue and reputation. In hospitality, perception is everything—and poor access can quickly become a talking point in reviews.

What to Expect from a Trusted Access Partner

At EntryReady, we’ve seen the long-term costs of “cheap” play out firsthand. Hotels come to us after struggling with systems that seemed like a deal—but turned out to be a liability.

Our approach focuses on longevity, security, and the guest journey. We believe in future-proofing access—not just checking a spec sheet.

• Native support for Apple Wallet and EntryReady Mobile Key™
• Seamless integration with top PMS platforms
• Upgrade-friendly hardware built for high performance and durability
• U.S.-based installation and responsive customer care

Hotels like Spot X Hotel in Orlando didn’t choose us because we were the lowest bidder. They chose us because they knew guest satisfaction and operational uptime weren’t optional.

How to Evaluate Access Control Options

If you’re rethinking your current system or reviewing proposals, here’s how to ensure you’re choosing technology that will grow with your hotel—not work against it. It starts with asking better questions—not just about cost, but about performance, support, and guest outcomes.

Questions to Ask Before Choosing an Access System:

• • Will this system support Apple Wallet or mobile key entry?
  • Does it integrate with our PMS out of the box?
  • Can it scale across multiple properties or brands?
  • What does ongoing support look like—and is it included?
  • Is this vendor focused on hospitality, or is this just another SKU in their catalog?

These aren’t just tech specs—they’re the difference between delighting guests and disappointing them. Between growing your brand and putting out fires.

What Smart Investment Looks Like

When you choose the right partner, access control becomes a competitive advantage. It simplifies operations, enhances the guest journey, and positions your hotel for scalable success.

Here’s what that looks like in action:

• Guests check in faster and feel more secure.
• Staff spends less time troubleshooting and more time serving.
• Your operations run smoother, and your reviews get better.
• Your system is ready to grow as you grow—without costly replacements.

Choosing the right access control system isn’t just an operational decision—it reflects the standard your hotel stands for.

Why Access Control is Critical to Your Business

The cheapest option often comes with the highest hidden costs. In hospitality, where every touchpoint matters, your access system sets the tone for the entire stay. Don’t let short-term savings compromise long-term success. There’s a clear difference between putting heads in beds and delivering exceptional guest experiences.

Ready to see what smart access control really looks like?
Request a demo to take the next step toward seamless, secure, and guest-centric access.