Keys

[Tracey708]

How many keys do you supply as a host. I have a two bed apartment and usually supply one set but I’ve just received a message from a traveller asking where he would find the spare set

It’s a small group of 3. 

[Lorina14]

@Tracey708 

A smart lock would be best but depending on the door you have sometimes it’s not possible. We have a glass custom sized double door on the first floor guest suite that we could not find a smart lock that was compatible with the special door locking mechanism. We went to several door/key shops to inquire and researched online and spoke to different companies. We ended up going with a smart lock box that is just beside the door. It is encoded to a six digit code. Some people don’t read and think the lockbox automatically unlocks the door and nothing happens when they type in their code. 

We ask guests to leave the keys in the lockbox so the guests can come and go as they please and there will be a less likely chance of the key accidentally going home with someone. It’s worked well for parties of 4 with different schedules.

[Anat241]

As I am hosting in Thailand, all of my houses are full‑villa rentals with 5 bedrooms. For each booking, I provide 5 complete keychains, each including the front door, car park, and bedroom keys so every guest has convenient access. On check‑in day, the keys will be placed in a lockbox, and the code will be shared a few hours before arrival. I am also planning to install a smartlock for added convenience, though I need to ensure it can withstand Thailand’s high humidity of around 80% before making the switch.

[Bradley286]

This is a hot topic for us. We run a smart lock, with personal codes, that is wifi enabled. I usually make an easy code they can remember. That way, you can check to see if the guest has arrived, or is away. These have also been, by far the biggest issue our guests have - bar none. As we all know, if a guest can't get in, then you have a big problem! We went with the Level brand first. I really liked their interface, I could set codes with my phone remotely, lock/unlock remotely, etc. Problem was, it was CONSTANTLY running out of battery life, sometimes in a few weeks, and each battery was over $10., plus the batteries in the keypad, which would also go dead. You could check the 'health' on the app, but they did not push notifications when it was low. I also think it was affected with hot temps, or being in direct sun, and would shut down. I warranty returned it for a new one, but had the same exact issues. I then switched to a Yale lock [keypad deadbolt unit with wifi] Since then no problems with battery life issues. 

However, we tend to have a lot of older guests, and many just are not used to smart locks. Issue here, if they enter the wrong code, or miss type a few times, it will go into protect mode, and won't open until a key is used, or a certain time there after. This happens all the time. Luckily we usually know when a guest is arriving, and try to be around, just in case. Once I teach them how to use it, they don't have any more problems. 

I like to have a back up plan for all critical things, so I also have a lock box next to the door with physical keys, and extra batteries. This has been a life saver many times! I don't always give the guest the combo to the lock box, they can call or message me if there is an issue getting is, but when I know we will be away when a guest checks in, I always give them the combo, and I will switch out the combo from time to time. 

My2Cents,  Bradley

Irvington Garden Suite LLC