Guests overstaying check-out and keys

[disneynutz]

At BWV one year, I was checked in to an occupied room. since the suitcases were right in the middle of the living room, we immediately returned to the front desk. I asked them if both parties were being charged the full points for having to share a room. We were immediately given a new room, but it was disquieting to find that our keys worked in someone else's room.

Just think how the guest who was assigned that room felt when they came back and their keys no longer worked.

 

[TisBit]

I agree, but I think the OP issue is that the old key worked well past checkout time.

But if the old key is not coded to a specific time (which they are usually NOT) than it will continue to work until the next key is inserted in the lock, disabling the previous key.

The reason why is that it is a hassle for the hotel to disable a key at EXACTLY 11 am, locking someone out who is moving luggage, etc. Or more common a lock that hasn't been updated with daily savings time, etc. Most keys are defaulted to Midnight.

But this also explains why when you report a lost key and get new keys, the old keys will not work. It all goes into the programming of the new key. If is is merely added as a new key (ie you tell them a key is left in the room) the old keys work, or if you it is keyed as a replacement (disables the old keys, ie lost keys etc). Just goes to how the locks work (from time served in hotel security and key control). Now a bad employee can really screw up the way systems are designed. I always use the manual locks on the doors, because there are keys that will always work in a lock regardless (security and managers, usually)....and even these locks can be manipulated with tools that are usually kept onsight in case of emergency......