hedley, they write down the number on the card you are given.
they have the password on it also. everyone has a different pw
when you call that special number, you have to give the pw or they will not give out the info on what is your room number.
this keeps the system secure and safe.
at that point when the front desk has your room number in the system, you do not have to stop in at the front desk for your card to be activated to use for your room key.
they activate your hotel room key when they assign your room.
bypass the front desk.
call from your room for your luggage to be brought up to your room then