Picking up and handing over the keys to your guests, for instance, use of lockboxes can be an operational nightmare. You have to pay someone to wait around to hand them over in person. It is time-consuming, expensive, and annoying if the guests arrive early or late or you need to hide keys in some rickety, insecure lockbox; or stashed somewhere equally unsafe.
Imagine you do not have to wait for your guest to arrive so you can let them in. Imagine, you do not have to worry about lost keys or key duplication. You don’t have to inconvenience your guest to walk to a nearby cafe or your office.
The best way to do this is to empower your guests to let them in with smart locks. Additionally, some tools automatically generate new codes whenever you get a booking (and delete the code after each guest’s checkout time) so that you can run your operations remotely.
Smart locks boost vacation rental safety as you can provide access and revoke it instantly and remotely. Access codes change automatically, and you can check the door access logs.
Contactless check-in means there’s no need for guests or staff to wait, no in-person interaction, no problems with unreliable keys, unsafe lockboxes, or travel delay stress.
You set a great first impression, and your staff saves precious time. Your guests love the convenience.
We know that choosing the right smart lock can be daunting. We have listed the best, most secure, and most intelligent smart locks on the market today based on their application –
Deadbolt Lock:
A dead bolt, deadbolt, or dead lock is a locking mechanism distinct from a spring bolt lock because a deadbolt can only be opened by a key or handle. A deadbolt can make a door resistant to entry without the correct key.
When you remove all existing lock hardware only two holes will remain on the door.
Option 1 – Samsung-Yale Assure Deadbolt
The complete exterior will change with the Yale deadbolt smart lock and a non-locking passage knob. Samsung Smartthings Hub (now distributed as Aeotec) is one of the most reliable hubs on the market. After all, Samsung is one of those few unicorn companies that understand hardware design for reliability. Yale locks have 250 code capacity for remote programming. Zwave is the most reliable smart home technology today, with a battery lasting between 6-12 months for a vacation rental/ commercial use. If you are in a coastal region, purchase Marine Grade Yale Assure Deadbolt ins
Option 2 – Discreet Deadbolt Lock: August Pro+AugustPad
The combination is suitable for doors with two holes. When you remove all existing lock hardware only two holes will remain on the door. However, you do not want any changes to the exterior part of the door due to HOA regulations. Keep the existing exterior keyhole and you will install the lock on the inside of the door only.
Option 3 – Schlage Encode
The complete exterior will change with the Schlage Encode deadbolt smart lock and a non-locking passage knob. This is a hub-less solution and many prefer it for the fewer devices involved. Since the lock connects to WiFi directly battery drain is a major concern. Read more about Schlage Encode Pros and Cons.
Cylindrical Lock:
We install a cylindrical lock on the door with a knob or lever on either side that retracts the latch when turned or depressed.
The main advantage of a cylindrical lock is its relatively quick installation. You only need to drill two holes in the door, one through the face of the door for the lock chassis and the other through the strike edge of the door for the latch bolt. Cylindrical locksets require less time for installation.
When you remove all existing lock hardware only one hole will remain on the door.
Option 1 – Samsung-Yale Assure Lever
The complete locking mechanism will be replaced with the Yale lever smart lock. Samsung Smartthings Hub (now distributed as Aeotec) is one of the most reliable hubs on the market. After all, Samsung is one of those few unicorn companies that understand hardware design for reliability. Yale locks have 250 code capacity for remote programming and Zwave is the most reliable smart home technology out there today with a battery lasting between 6-12 months for a vacation rental/ commercial use. However, a Marine Grade Yale Assure Lever is not available.
Option 2 – Commercial Cylindrical Lock: Samsung-NexTouch Lever
This combination is ideal for exterior, and common doors and needs a single-hole door. It is also a viable option for vacation homes in coastal regions. Samsung Smartthings Hub (now distributed as Aeotec) is one of the most reliable hubs on the market. After all, Samsung is one of those few unicorn companies that understand hardware design for reliability. Yale NexTouch is the commercial lock brand from Yale. The locks have 250 code capacity for remote programming and Zwave is the most reliable smart home technology out there today with a battery lasting between 6-12 months for commercial use.
Mortise Lock:
A mortise lock requires a pocket mortise cut into the door where the lock fits and is common in commercial construction.
Mortise Lock:
A mortise lock requires a pocket mortise cut into the door where the lock fits and is common in commercial construction.
Option 1 – Samsung-NexTouch Mortise
You need to remove all existing lock hardware. Once the hardware is out, you will notice the door has a hollow cavity. Samsung Smartthings Hub (now distributed as Aeotec) is one of the most reliable hubs on the market. After all, Samsung is one of those few unicorn companies that understand hardware design for reliability. Yale NexTouch is the commercial lock brand from Yale. The locks have 250 code capacity for remote programming and Zwave is the most reliable smart home technology out there today with a battery lasting between 6-12 months for commercial use.
