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This is the Weirdest Room Key We've Ever Encountered

Go To The Hotel's Web Site Where: Park Lane, London, United Kingdom, W1K7TN
February 5, 2010 at 9:35 AM | by | Comments (5)

We can't very well do a "Guess the Hotel" story with this picture, can we? Not with the name of the hotel printed right there on whatever the heck this thing that calls itself a key is.

Yes, this is a room key to the Grosvenor House J.W. Marriott Hotel in London, which was one of our stops during a lively trip to London last month. So you stick this thing into a little hole next to your room door and when the light blinks green, you remove it and open the door. It's a simple procedure really, but wouldn't room key cards be cheaper and easier? This odd thing was kind of difficult to keep track of, considering how it was too thick to fit in our wallet and didnt hook onto anything.

It's plastic; nothing too fancy, we hope. So have you seen this type of key before? And stay tuned because, on Monday, we'll have a full gallery and review of the Grosvenor House J.W. Marriott to follow.

[Photo: HotelChatter]

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Comments (5)

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Grosvenor House Room Key

I've stayed there twice in the past year.  I think the hotel is outstanding (if expensive) and in a good part of town.  The last time I was there they put me in a huge suite overlooking Hyde Park.  Too bad I was only there for one night before returning to the US!

I have to admit that the keys are a pain.  I usually put them in my wallet but that isn't ideal.

Mark

mhoban on February 5, 2010 at 9:51 AM #Permalink

Keys

To Mark:

My wife and I were looking to stay at this hotel.
Could you please tell me what problems you had with the keys?

Erik from http://www.algarvepropertyworld.com/

APW2010 on February 5, 2010 at 3:11 PM #Permalink

odd

that's so weird. i do like the idea of proper key keys, but proper key + electronics is a bit odd
juliab on February 5, 2010 at 4:15 PM #Permalink
Parent

Keys

I Worked in the Grosvenor House a few years ago and have to say this key system is one of the best I have seen for security. All rooms are wired back to security and instant information on room access is available and rooms can be locked etc from a central point. At the time I worked there the keys were grey and sligthly slimmer with a hole in the top so that you could attach them to your keyring. I'm sure they could be changed back to that style.
Anything that makes your room a securer place is a good thing, also they are a nice souvenir to take home :)
Thedhotel Drogheda on February 5, 2010 at 9:11 PM #Permalink

Spoon

It kind of looks like a small tea spoon.
zeverson on February 6, 2010 at 9:49 AM #Permalink

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