Resorts World launches app-free mobile room access with Apple Wallet

Accessing hotel rooms at Resorts World Las Vegas is now as easy as a few taps on an iPhone or Apple Watch. The Strip resort has rolled out digital room keys via Apple Wallet, becoming the first major property in Las Vegas to implement the feature without requiring guests to download a dedicated hotel app.

The $4.3 billion resort, which opened in 2021, partnered with access control provider Dormakaba and guest experience firm Alliants to launch the feature. The system allows guests to use their iPhone or Apple Watch to unlock doors by holding the device near an NFC-enabled door lock.

Guests can check in digitally up to 24 hours before arrival by visiting skiptheline.rwlasvegas.com. Once check-in is complete and the room is assigned, the room key activates in Apple Wallet. If the room number changes or if the guest extends their stay, the digital key updates automatically in the background without requiring further action or a trip to the front desk.

Express mode and power reserve

The Apple Wallet room key uses Express Mode, which eliminates the need to wake or unlock the device to use it. If a guest’s iPhone runs low on power, Power Reserve enables room access for up to five hours after the battery is depleted, applicable for iPhone XS, XR, and later models.

Guests can share their digital key with other iOS users via messaging or AirDrop. In addition to guest rooms, the key grants access to other designated areas of the resort, including elevators, pools, fitness centers, and common areas, based on standard property settings.

Privacy and compatibility

According to Apple, room key data stored in Apple Wallet is private and remains on the user’s device. Apple does not track which doors are accessed. If a device is lost or stolen, users can disable the room key through the Find My app or iCloud, and obtain a new key at the front desk.

The feature is compatible with iPhone 8 or later running iOS 16.4 or higher and Apple Watch Series 3 or later with WatchOS 9.2 or higher. When a key is added to Apple Wallet on an iPhone, it is automatically synced with a paired Apple Watch.

“We have always been pioneering on our quest to provide the best guest experience — and we’ve never been afraid to be on the leading edge, especially when it comes to offering digital-first experiences like room key in Apple Wallet to our guests,” said Shannon McCallum, vice president of hotel operations at Resorts World Las Vegas.

Unlike other Las Vegas properties that use Bluetooth-based digital keys through brand-specific apps, Resorts World’s integration allows guests to bypass app downloads entirely by using the native Apple Wallet feature.