VingCard Elsafe and BMW Group have developed a new solution that enables drivers to book hotel rooms on the go and then access their guestrooms using their NFC-enabled car keys. Here’s how it works:

Using BMW’s advanced vehicle navigation systems, drivers can search for available hotels nearby and book the one of their choosing via Micros-Fidelio hotel property management systems. Once the reservation is booked, the vehicle navigation system guides the driver to the hotel and notifies him or her of the assigned room number.

Upon arrival at the property, the guest can proceed straight to the room, bypassing the check-in process. By now, the guest will have received access credentials on his or her NFC BMW key, which can be tapped against the NFC-enabled VingCard Elsafe lock to open the door.

According to VingCard, the solution builds on its Mobile Keys technology platform, which leverages NFC to instantly turn any mobile device, e.g. smart phones, tablet computers or car keys, into a guestroom access key.

The system also enables hoteliers to offer special discounts to those who use the technology, as well as build guest profiles if guests elect to share their data.