Munich, December 9, 2025
Hotelbird announces the launch of digital wallet room key compatibility for its guest experience platform, with the first deployment taking place at Welcome Hotel Darmstadt. Deployed in collaboration with leading access control solutions provider, Vingcard, the next generation of room access for hotels is now seamlessly available within the Hotelbird ecosystem and is already setting a new standard in guest convenience, satisfactionand loyalty.
Based on NFC technology already familiar from tap-to-pay payments, the digital wallet key solution is designed to simplify hotel operations by reducing front desk traffic and hardware hassles. It further eliminates issues that may be seen with earlier mobile key deployment options. Unlike these technologies, NFC does not require guests to download an app, connect to the internet, or even have a charged phone. With wallet keys via the Hotelbird interface, guests receive a verified digital room key at check-in which they can add to the digital wallet on their iOS or Android device and unlock their room with a simple tap on the door lock.
Hotelbird’s wallet key functionality is enabled and supported using Vingcard’s Vostio Access Management platform, allowing hotels to use their existing access control infrastructure. The solution supports all check-in flows, including online, terminal-based, and front desk, and is currently available for hotels operating on the Apaleo or Oracle Cloud property management system. Now offering this technology for hotels, Hotelbird provides a reliable and scalable solution that delivers measurable efficiencies in time, hardware, and staffing.
“By integrating NFC wallet key abilities into Hotelbird’s offerings, we are setting a new standard for digital room access in hospitality,” said Juan A. Sanmiguel, CEO and Co-Founder of Hotelbird. “We are proud to offer this technology by working together with Vingcard. This is an exciting step forward that simplifies operations for hotels and gives guests the most convenient and secure way to access their rooms.”
Hotelbird’s wallet key integration was developed in close collaboration with Vingcard, a global leader in access control technology innovation. With decades of experience and a worldwide reputation for secure and scalable door lock and digital key systems, Vingcard provides the technological foundation that makes wallet keys function within the Hotelbird ecosystem. The access control solution provider opted to work with Hotelbird to ensure that wallet keys is not only a robust technology, but is also able to seamlessly be embedded into hotel operations and the guest journey. Together, they have deployed a solution that combines an intuitive guest experience with the scalability required by modern hospitality.
“Vostio Access Management is the industry’s leading cloud-based platform able to support digital wallet compatibility with the vast majority of personal smart devices, enabling hotels to provide a safer and seamless room access experience to even more guests,” said Sascha Galasso, Business Development Management for DACH at Vingcard. “Working together with Hotelbird allows us to combine the advantages of our solutions which is facilitated by our shared goal of simplifying hotel operations while delivering a more intuitive and enjoyable stay experience to today’s guests.”
Welcome Hotel Darmstadt is the first hotel to pilot Hotelbird’s wallet key integration. As an existing customer, Welcome Hotels have already been working with Hotelbird’s guest experience platform to simplify operations and improve the guest journey. Building on this foundation, their Darmstadt property is now taking the next step by introducing NFC wallet keys, underlining the group’s commitment to innovation and to offering guests a modern, seamless experience.
“We are very excited that our Welcome Hotel Darmstadt is the first hotel to launch Hotelbird’s wallet key integration,” said Jörg Beginen, Chief Operating Officer of Welcome Hotels. “Our focus has always been on combining excellent service with smart digital solutions. Wallet keys made available via Hotelbird helps us reduce complexity at the front desk and give our guests an even more convenient and secure stay.”
By being the first hotel to adopt this technology in collaboration with Hotelbird, Welcome Hotel Group positions itself as a pioneer in the German hospitality market – combining tradition and service excellence with a readiness to embrace digital transformation for the benefit of both guests and staff.
About Hotelbird
Hotelbird is the leading guest experience platform setting new standards for the digital guest journey. With Hotelbird, hotels can seamlessly integrate their property management systems, lock systems, and payment processes to create a fully digital guest journey – efficiently automating all manual processes from check-in, guest directory, and communication to payment, upselling, and check-out.
Leading hotel groups and chains such as Motel One, H World International, Welcome Hotels, Dorint Hotels, Smartments, Seminaris, and Falkensteiner Hotels rely on Hotelbird to optimize their operations, increase profitability, and provide guests with a comfortable and intuitive digital experience. Founded in 2015 by Juan Sanmiguel and Korbinian Hackl in Munich, Hotelbird operates across 29 European countries with a dedicated team of 30 employees shaping the future of digital hospitality.
Über Vingcard
Vingcard is part of ASSA ABLOY Global Solutions, which provides safe and sustainable cutting-edge technology solutions for physical and digital access management control. As a full solutions provider, ASSA ABLOY Global Solutions is part of the wider ASSA ABLOY Group. Being a global leader in access solutions, the Group operates worldwide with 63,000 employees and holds leading positions in areas such as efficient door opening, trusted identities, and entrance automation.
Vingcard is a leading provider of security access solutions and other advanced technologies designed for the evolving needs of hospitality, off-site student accommodations and build-to-rent industries. With a commitment to serving as the industry’s trusted partner for enhanced security, Vingcard’s comprehensive range of integrated solutions is designed to ensure safer, more adaptive business operations able to deliver enhanced efficiency and end-user satisfaction. Vingcard is your trusted partner for enhanced security.
About Welcome Hotels
The hotel group Welcome Hotels, based in Frankfurt am Main, has been active in the German market since 1998 and currently operates 14 hotels in the three- and four-star superior category across 13 locations. The group’s individual hotels include classic business, conference, and city hotels, as well as castle hotels, a lakeside hotel, and boutique-style properties. The company currently employs over 900 staff members. A key component of the company’s concept is sustainability, with a strong focus on resource conservation, regional sourcing, green meetings, a strong employer brand with diversity management, and a high standard of quality. The hotel group is led by Jörg Beginen, Chief Operating Officer, and Lars Petraschke, Director Finance & Controlling.
