Soon, smartphones to replace keycards to access hotel rooms

Starwood Hotels, owner of more than 1,200 properties across the world, has announced that they would be launching a new Bluetooth-connected application for guests at Starwood which will allow them to access rooms using their smartphones instead of hotel key cards.

According to CNET, the feature is expected to roll out for 10 of Starwood's hotels with keyless access across all Aloft, Element and W Hotels in 2015.

The application works on Bluetooth LE-enabled iPhones and Android smartphones. The guests at Starwood would simply have to sign up through the application and select the Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG) keyless to access their rooms.

Getting inside the room would require guests to hold their smartphones up to the bluetooth panels on the doors and wait for the green signal.

The bluetooth technology would also have practical applications across the hotel experience including gym and elevators.