The project dashboard is a free tool that is only available to verified hoteliers to make adopting new technology easier by streamlining their research and simplifying their communication workflow.
TLDR
We analyzed 87 verified hotelier reviews, compared feature sets, pricing, and real-world case studies to break down where each platform delivers. The right choice depends on your property type and priorities:
Loxe shines in ease of use and customer support , with exclusive features like Access Management Solution (Server Based).
OpenKey shines when it comes to guest satisfaction — especially for brand properties (2.8/5) , with exclusive features like Mobile Checkin and Mobile App.
Side-by-side ratings based on 87 verified hotelier reviews on HTR.
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| Starting Price | Contact sales | From $500/mo |
| Verified Reviews | 3 | 84 |
After analyzing 87 verified reviews, Loxe users most value its , while OpenKey users highlight guest satisfaction, app usability, bypass front desk. Click any theme to see what reviewers say.
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Guest Satisfaction
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App Usability
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Bypass Front Desk
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Contactless Check-In
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Customer Support
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Guest Communication
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How each product ranks among Hotel Keyless Entry Systems vendors for different property sizes, types, and regions — based on verified reviews from hoteliers in each segment.
By Hotel Size
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| Small (10-24 rooms) ▾ | #11 1 reviews | #3 14 reviews |
| Mid-Size (25-74 rooms) ▾ | — | #1 55 reviews |
| Large (75-199 rooms) ▾ | — | #3 11 reviews |
| X-Large (200+ rooms) | — | #9 0 reviews |
By Property Type
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| Boutique ▾ | — | #1 66 reviews |
| Luxury ▾ | #13 2 reviews | #2 62 reviews |
| Branded / Chain ▾ | — | #4 10 reviews |
| Extended Stay | — | #5 3 reviews |
By Region
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| North America ▾ | #10 3 reviews | #1 76 reviews |
| Asia Pacific | — | #2 1 reviews |
Choosing between Loxe by Loxe and Openkey.co for your hotel’s keyless entry system involves examining their features, user feedback, and overall market presence. Both solutions aim to enhance guest experience and streamline operations, but they differ significantly in sophistication, reviews, and scope. Loxe has a very limited review footprint but offers a full suite of guest engagement features, whereas OpenKey boasts a broad partner network and higher recent review volume. Which aligns better with your hotel’s needs?
Loxe and OpenKey both target mobile key solutions to improve guest convenience and operational efficiency, yet their strengths diverge. Loxe emphasizes its affordability and integrations with existing locks, acting as a full upsell platform with additional revenue opportunities. OpenKey, on the other hand, is renowned for its extensive PMS integrations and multi-property management, aiming for large-scale deployment across brands or chains. Are you prioritizing cost and upselling or multi-property scalability?
Loxe's recent reviews are scarce, with only three, all from the same hotel, and all highly positive. Conversely, OpenKey has 69 reviews, with recent feedback from multiple hotels across segments, giving a clearer picture of current performance. Do you want a product with a proven, broad user base, or are you comfortable with a less-reviewed system that offers integrated guest services?
Finally, Loxe’s focus on contactless check-in and upselling is ideal for properties looking to monetize mobile engagement. OpenKey's strength lies in its interoperability and extensive partner integrations, suitable for hotels that need a flexible, scalable platform. Which of these priorities aligns more closely with your hotel’s strategy?
If your hotel needs a cost-effective mobile key solution that offers additional guest engagement options, go with Loxe. Its full-featured platform includes online check-in/out, upsell ads, and guest messaging, making it suitable for small to mid-sized hotels aiming to increase revenue. Loxe’s simple BLE upgrade module allows existing locks to be adapted without replacing hardware, saving costs.
If your hotel prioritizes extensive PMS integrations, multi-property management, and a well-established reputation, choose OpenKey. Its platform supports over 50 PMS and lock providers, making it ideal for large hotel groups, resorts, or properties seeking a flexible, scalable mobile key system. OpenKey’s broad partner network and consistent user feedback highlight its reliability in high-volume environments.
For properties that want straightforward deployment with upselling features, Loxe is the better fit. Conversely, if your hotel needs to manage multiple locations efficiently with robust integrations, OpenKey is the safer bet. Which set of priorities best matches your hotel’s operational goals?
Loxe scores a perfect 5/5 for ease of use in recent reviews, with users praising its intuitive interface and straightforward installation. Customers also highlight smooth onboarding processes and quick staff adoption, citing minimal training requirements.
OpenKey also boasts a high ease-of-use rating at 4.45/5, with many users appreciating the user-friendly app and seamless integration with PMS systems like WebRezPro and StayNTouch. However, some reviews mention occasional technical glitches and app crashes, which could slow staff adaptation.
Edge: Loxe. Its review profile indicates consistently high satisfaction with usability and onboarding, making it a better choice if ease of implementation is a top priority.
Loxe offers 9 shared features with OpenKey, including mobile keys, guest messaging, and PMS integration, but it also has one unique feature: Access Management Solution (Server Based). This allows more control over access rights and enhanced security options.
OpenKey, however, provides 7 features that Loxe lacks, such as notifications, multi-property management, mobile check-in, developer SDK, and door lock upgrade kits. Its broad feature set supports complex hotel operations and larger property portfolios.
While OpenKey’s wider feature count and integrations appeal to larger chains, Loxe’s simplicity and upselling features cater well to smaller or mid-sized hotels seeking added revenue streams.
Edge: OpenKey. Its broader feature set and multi-property management capabilities make it more versatile for diverse hotel needs.
Loxe’s reviews consistently praise its customer support, scoring 5/5 in recent feedback, with clients emphasizing quick responses and attentive service. Reviewers mention that Loxe’s support team is highly responsive and helpful during onboarding and ongoing use.
OpenKey also scores well at 4.25/5, with users appreciating the support experience, though some note delays and occasional communication gaps. Many reviews highlight the support team’s responsiveness, but Loxe’s entire review profile leans toward higher satisfaction.
Edge: Loxe. The consistently high support ratings and positive review comments suggest it offers a more reliable support experience.
Loxe’s review count is minimal—only three reviews, all very recent—and they are all from the same hotel, giving a limited perspective. OpenKey has 69 reviews, with an average rating of 4.26/5, from a large and diverse hotel base.
OpenKey’s reviews span multiple segments, including luxury, boutique, and resorts, with recent feedback emphasizing operational efficiency and guest satisfaction. Loxe’s very limited data makes it difficult to assess broader hotel sentiment.
Given the volume and recency, OpenKey’s ratings are more representative of current performance.
Edge: OpenKey. Its larger, more recent review base offers a clearer, more reliable picture of user satisfaction.
Loxe does not publish specific pricing details, which suggests a customized quote approach, common for platforms with upselling or broad feature sets. It markets itself as an affordable mobile key solution, emphasizing value for money.
OpenKey charges a base fee of $500, with no listed ongoing monthly costs, and requires no implementation fee. Its pricing structure appears straightforward, suitable for hotels seeking predictable costs.
If budget transparency is critical, OpenKey’s flat fee offers clarity, but Loxe’s custom pricing could be more economical for smaller properties.
Not ideal if your hotel:
Loxe is best suited for properties looking to add mobile key capabilities with additional revenue features at a lower total cost.
Not ideal if your hotel:
OpenKey excels for hotels prioritizing flexibility, broad integrations, and multi-property operations.
Loxe and OpenKey both serve the core purpose of providing mobile key solutions but target different hotel segments and needs. Loxe offers a straightforward, affordable platform with upselling features, ideal for small to medium hotels wanting quick deployment and contactless services. OpenKey's extensive integrations, multi-property management, and proven track record make it suitable for larger brands or hotels with complex operational requirements.
If you need a flexible, widely supported platform with a focus on scalability, go with OpenKey. Its large review base and extensive partner network give it the edge for reliability and performance.
For properties that prioritize affordability, guest engagement, and a simple setup, Loxe is the better choice, especially given its high ease-of-use rating and dedicated upsell features.
In conclusion, your decision should hinge on the scale of your hotel operation and integration needs. For extensive deployment and proven reliability, choose OpenKey. For cost-effective, guest-focused mobile access, Loxe offers compelling advantages.
According to HTR's product database, Loxe and Openkey.co share 9 features. Here are the key differences — features one has that the other lacks.
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| Access Management Solution (Server Based) | ||
| Developer SDK | ||
| Keyless Entry | ||
| Mobile App | ||
| Mobile Checkin | ||
| Multi-property Management | ||
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Ranks higher for
Unique capabilities
What hoteliers love
Overall, OpenKey has been well-received by guests, who appreciate the convenience of mobile keys, the ease of use, and the reduced need to carry physi... Overall, OpenKey has been well-received by guests, who appreciate the convenience of mobile keys, the ease of use, and the reduced need to carry physical keys. This positive feedback is a testament to its functionality and user experience.
The app is generally praised for its user-friendly interface, but some users feel that improvements could be made in terms of navigation and additiona... The app is generally praised for its user-friendly interface, but some users feel that improvements could be made in terms of navigation and additional features like in-app reset options for keys, and integrated guest services.
OpenKey's mobile key feature allows guests to bypass the front desk and go directly to their rooms, significantly enhancing operational efficiency and... OpenKey's mobile key feature allows guests to bypass the front desk and go directly to their rooms, significantly enhancing operational efficiency and guest satisfaction. This feature minimizes waiting time and offers a seamless check-in experience, particularly praised during busy periods.
Where hoteliers push back
Customer support for OpenKey is generally responsive and helpful, though some users report delays in receiving assistance and a need for more proactiv... Customer support for OpenKey is generally responsive and helpful, though some users report delays in receiving assistance and a need for more proactive communication regarding updates and fixes.
Several reviews highlight the need for better guest communication features within the app, such as clearer instructions for app use or notifications w... Several reviews highlight the need for better guest communication features within the app, such as clearer instructions for app use or notifications when rooms are ready. Enhancing these communication channels could further improve guest satisfaction and operational efficiency.
Ranks higher for
Unique capabilities
Where the ratings diverge most
It depends on your requirements. Loxe and Openkey.co share many core Hotel Keyless Entry Systems features, but each has unique capabilities. Loxe offers 2 verified integration partners, while Openkey.co offers 34. Review the feature comparison above to see where they differ before switching.
Small hotels should prioritize ease of use and fast onboarding. Loxe leads in ease of use at 5.0/5 vs 4.5/5. Look for transparent pricing and a trial or demo option. Filter reviews on each product page by property size to hear from hotels like yours.
Loxe: No. Openkey.co: No. Neither product currently offers a free tier. Most Hotel Keyless Entry Systems vendors offer demos or trials — request one from each to evaluate before committing.
The HT Score is a composite ranking that considers 4 criteria groups and over a dozen variables to help hoteliers objectively compare hotel technology products. Loxe has an HT Score of 0 and OpenKey has 39. Here is how the score is calculated.
| Criteria Group | Weight | What It Measures |
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| Customer Ratings & Reviews |
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How highly do users recommend this product? Ratings Score, Review Volume, Share of Voice, Review Depth, Review Recency, Success Stories ▾ The most heavily weighted factor. Analyzes average satisfaction ratings (likelihood to recommend, ease of use, support, ROI), total review count relative to category peers, review recency (at least 20 reviews in the trailing 6 months), and share of voice across unique hotel clients to detect selection bias. |
| Partner Ecosystem |
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How highly do tech partners recommend this company? Partner Recommendations, Integration Quantity, Integration Quality ▾ Evaluates partner recommendations as expert votes of confidence, the number of verified integrations, and ecosystem quality — the average HT Scores of integration partners. Products with higher-quality integration ecosystems are more likely to deliver a connected tech stack. |
| Customer Centricity |
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How customer-centric is this organization? Certified Support, Review Consistency, Profile Completeness ▾ Assesses whether the company has earned HTR Customer Support Certification, maintains consistent review collection over time (an indicator of feedback-driven culture), and keeps product profiles complete with capabilities, screenshots, pricing, and features. |
| Reach, Staying Power & Resources |
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How extensive is this company's reach and resourcing? Geographic Reach, Staying Power, Company Resources, Trending Score ▾ Measures global presence (countries and regions served), years in business as a stability proxy, team headcount as a resource proxy, and a trending score based on trailing-twelve-month buyer inquiries, reviews, partner recommendations, and press activity. |
Customer ratings and reviews are by far the most important factor in the HT Score algorithm. HTR does not accept payment for higher rankings. All reviews are verified — only hotel industry practitioners with confirmed affiliations can submit ratings. View full HT Score methodology →
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