dormakaba vs. Openkey.co:
Which Is Right for You?

The Decision

Choosing the right hotel keyless entry system can profoundly impact your guest experience, operational efficiency, and staff workload. Both dormakaba by dormakaba and Openkey.co aim to modernize access, but they offer different strengths and weaknesses. Your decision hinges on your hotel’s size, guest demographic, and future plans for technology integration.

While dormakaba boasts a long history and a more extensive regional presence, OpenKey has a more recent track record with higher review counts and more current feedback. Which system aligns better with your hotel’s needs?

Is dormakaba or Openkey.co Better for Hotels?

Both dormakaba and OpenKey address the core challenge of providing secure, contactless access for guests, reducing the reliance on physical keys. dormakaba emphasizes fully integrated, hardware-centric solutions with extensive physical access options, while OpenKey focuses on mobile app-based access, offering flexibility and faster deployment.

However, dormakaba’s reviews reveal significant concerns about customer support and delivery times, with some users rating their overall experience as 0.83/5. Conversely, OpenKey’s 4.26/5 overall rating reflects more recent, positive feedback, especially about ease of use and guest satisfaction.

Are you prepared to prioritize a system with a proven, broad regional presence and hardware solutions, or do you prefer a more flexible, app-based approach with high guest satisfaction?

dormakaba vs Openkey.co: Which Should Your Hotel Choose?

If your hotel needs a comprehensive, hardware-backed access control solution with integrated management features, dormakaba is the safer choice. It offers physical lock integration, server-based access management, and Google Wallet compatibility, suitable for properties with complex security needs.

If your hotel prioritizes mobile convenience, fast deployment, and seamless PMS integrations, OpenKey is the better fit. It’s ideal for boutique or resort hotels seeking contactless check-in, multi-room access, and a user-friendly app experience.

For large, high-security properties, dormakaba’s hardware robustness might be preferable. For hotels aiming for rapid digital transformation with a focus on guest convenience, OpenKey’s mobile-first approach wins.

Is dormakaba or Openkey.co Easier to Use?

Based on user reviews, both systems are rated highly for ease of use, with dormakaba at 4.38/5 and OpenKey slightly ahead at 4.45/5. dormakaba’s onboarding process gets a 4.02/5, while OpenKey scores 4.22/5, reflecting its intuitive mobile app design and quicker setup.

However, dormakaba’s legacy infrastructure and hardware might require more initial staff training, especially for older systems. Conversely, OpenKey’s app-based platform simplifies staff training and guest onboarding, especially for tech-savvy guests.

Edge: OpenKey.

Which Has Better Features: dormakaba or Openkey.co?

dormakaba offers 10 shared features plus 2 exclusive, including server-based access management and Google Wallet integration. OpenKey provides 10 shared features but adds 6 unique functionalities like mobile check-in, notifications, multi-property management, remote access, and app support.

OpenKey’s features align more directly with modern guest expectations, especially around mobile check-in and multi-property control. dormakaba’s additional hardware-centric features can be advantageous for properties with complex physical security needs.

Edge: OpenKey.

Which Has Better Customer Support: dormakaba or Openkey.co?

dormakaba’s support ratings are slightly higher at 4.3/5, with reviews praising responsive and knowledgeable staff. However, some users report slow responses, long delivery times, and dissatisfaction with responsiveness, especially regarding technical support.

OpenKey’s customer support scores 4.25/5, with reviews highlighting quick responsiveness and helpfulness, though some users experience delays and technical difficulties. Both offer solid support, but dormakaba’s larger team and longer presence may give it a slight edge in coverage.

Edge: dormakaba.

Which Has More Integrations: dormakaba or Openkey.co?

dormakaba integrates with 27 verified partners, sharing 8 common integrations with OpenKey. OpenKey’s platform connects with over 34 partners, including leading PMS and lock providers like OpenHotel, Skyware, and SALTO.

OpenKey’s broader range of integrations means it can fit into a wider variety of property management ecosystems. If your hotel relies on specific PMS or lock brands, open integration flexibility favors OpenKey.

Edge: OpenKey.

Which Do Hoteliers Rate Higher: dormakaba or Openkey.co?

dormakaba’s reviews reflect a very low overall rating of 0.83/5, with many citing poor support and system issues. Its review count is only 28, and recent reviews are scarce, reducing confidence in current performance.

OpenKey’s reviews, totaling 69 and recent, average 4.26/5, with high praise for ease of use, guest satisfaction, and operational impact. Property types for OpenKey—particularly boutique and resort hotels—rate it higher and more consistently.

Edge: OpenKey.

How Much Do dormakaba and Openkey.co Cost?

dormakaba’s pricing starts at $400 with no mention of ongoing fees. OpenKey costs $500 upfront, with no monthly or implementation fees reported.

Both systems’ pricing models are similar, but OpenKey’s slightly higher base fee reflects its focus on mobile features and broader integrations. Your total cost may vary based on hardware and support needs.

What Type of Hotel Should Use dormakaba?

• Hotels that require comprehensive physical access solutions with hardware integration.
• Large hotels with complex security and access management needs.
• Properties planning to leverage server-based access controls.
• Hotels that prioritize legacy infrastructure and hardware options.

Not ideal if your hotel seeks rapid deployment, mobile-focused solutions, or high guest satisfaction scores.

What Type of Hotel Should Use OpenKey?

• Boutique, resort, or independent hotels emphasizing guest convenience.
• Properties aiming for quick, contactless check-in processes.
• Hotels with a high volume of mobile-savvy guests.
• Hotels seeking extensive PMS and lock provider integrations.

Not ideal if your hotel relies heavily on physical access control or requires extensive hardware infrastructure.

The Bottom Line for Hotels

dormakaba and OpenKey serve different operational philosophies. dormakaba is suited for hotels needing durable, hardware-backed access control with extensive physical infrastructure. OpenKey excels in mobile-first experiences, rapid deployment, and high guest satisfaction, especially in boutique or resort segments.

Choose dormakaba if your hotel demands robust, hardware-centric security and centralized management. Opt for OpenKey if you prioritize guest convenience, fast implementation, and modern digital features.

If your hotel is already heavily invested in physical security infrastructure, dormakaba’s solutions might be more appropriate. But for most hotels looking to upgrade to a flexible, mobile access system, OpenKey offers a compelling, review-backed choice.