Canary Mobile Keys vs. Salto:
Which Is Right for You?

The Decision

Choosing between OpenKey and SALTO Systems hinges on what your hotel prioritizes in a keyless entry solution. Both aim to streamline guest access, but their approaches and strengths vary markedly. OpenKey focuses on mobile app integration and ease of use, while SALTO emphasizes advanced electronic lock hardware and comprehensive access control. Your decision should align with your property’s size, guest experience goals, and operational preferences.

Do you prefer a user-friendly mobile app or a more hardware-centric security system? Let’s explore both options in detail.

Is OpenKey or SALTO Systems Better for Hotels?

OpenKey and SALTO both serve the hotel industry with keyless entry, but their core offerings diverge significantly. OpenKey specializes in mobile app-based access, allowing guests to unlock doors via smartphones, with strong integration to PMS systems. SALTO, by contrast, offers sophisticated, wire-free electronic locks and access control systems with extensive hardware features designed for security and flexibility.

OpenKey boasts a higher overall rating (4.26/5) based on 69 reviews, with recent feedback emphasizing its ease of use and guest satisfaction. SALTO’s rating (2/5) is supported by only 6 reviews, many of which cite hardware failures and poor support, casting doubt on its reliability. Given the recent reviews’ recency and number, OpenKey’s data is more robust.

Are you seeking a straightforward mobile solution that improves guest convenience? Or do you need a robust, hardware-focused security system for high-security environments? The choice is clearer when considering these fundamental differences.

OpenKey vs SALTO Systems: Which Should Your Hotel Choose?

If your hotel needs a fast, flexible, and highly rated mobile key solution with seamless PMS integration, go with OpenKey. Its platform is tailored for quick deployment, user-friendly guest experience, and operational efficiencies, especially in properties that value contactless check-in and mobile check-in options.

Choose SALTO if your hotel requires advanced physical access control features, such as integrated security, high-end lock hardware, and comprehensive management of access points beyond guest rooms. However, its limited recent reviews and poor customer feedback suggest it’s less reliable today.

For hotels prioritizing ease of use, recent positive reviews, and a large user base—particularly in luxury and boutique segments—OpenKey is the clear choice. Conversely, SALTO may appeal to properties with complex security needs and the resources to support hardware maintenance, though its current support issues are concerning.

Is OpenKey or SALTO Systems Easier to Use?

OpenKey’s user-friendly interface has earned a 4.45/5 rating, with many reviews praising its straightforward app navigation and quick onboarding. Hoteliers report their staff adoption is smooth, and guests find the app intuitive, especially for contactless check-in.

SALTO’s user experience scores lower at 2.58/5, with reviews highlighting frequent hardware malfunctions and support delays, complicating daily operations. The hardware-centric approach requires more staff training and ongoing support, which many hoteliers find cumbersome.

Edge: OpenKey.

Which Has Better Features: OpenKey or SALTO Systems?

OpenKey offers 9 unique features, including mobile check-in, multi-property management, notifications, whitelabel customization, and a developer SDK—features that directly enhance guest experience and operational flexibility. Its integrations with over 50 PMS and lock providers make it highly adaptable.

SALTO provides primarily hardware-based security features, with only one unique feature: Access Management Solution (Server Based). While its advanced lock designs and data-on-card platform are impressive, they lack the digital guest engagement features that make OpenKey stand out.

Edge: OpenKey.

Which Has Better Customer Support: OpenKey or SALTO Systems?

OpenKey’s support ratings are strong, averaging 4.25/5, with reviews emphasizing quick responses and helpful onboarding. Hoteliers appreciate its proactive communication, especially during setup and troubleshooting.

In contrast, SALTO’s customer support scores just 1.5/5, with many reviews citing unresponsiveness and unresolved hardware issues. Support failures have led to significant guest dissatisfaction and operational disruptions.

Edge: OpenKey.

Which Has More Integrations: OpenKey or SALTO Systems?

OpenKey partners with 34 verified integrations, including major PMS and property management systems like Stayntouch, RMS, and Oracle Hospitality. It also supports integrations with third-party apps like WebRezPro and RoomRaccoon.

SALTO connects with 36 verified partners, including Trevo, Interel, Zaplox, and Intelity. While it has slightly more integrations, many are hardware-focused or less relevant for guest-facing applications.

Given OpenKey’s focus on PMS and guest experience integrations, it offers more practical flexibility for hotel operations.

Edge: OpenKey.

Which Do Hoteliers Rate Higher: OpenKey or SALTO Systems?

OpenKey’s recent reviews (all in the last 6 months) overwhelmingly praise its ease of use, guest satisfaction, and support, with an 88% likelihood to recommend. Its property segment ratings are high—4.36/5 in luxury properties and 4.5/5 in Bed & Breakfasts.

SALTO, with only six reviews, has a poor rating of 2/5, with recurring complaints about hardware failures and support issues. Its ratings are inconsistent, with some properties rating it as low as 0.5/5.

Clearly, hoteliers rate OpenKey higher across all segments; SALTO’s ratings are too limited and negative to consider a viable option.

Edge: OpenKey.

How Much Do OpenKey and SALTO Systems Cost?

OpenKey charges a base fee of $500, with no mention of ongoing monthly or per-room charges. It does not offer a freemium or trial; pricing appears straightforward for deployment.

SALTO’s pricing is not publicly disclosed, but it is acknowledged as very expensive, reflecting its premium hardware and complex solutions.

If budget is a concern, OpenKey provides predictable costs without hidden fees, making it more accessible for most hotels.

What Type of Hotel Should Use OpenKey?

• Hotels that prioritize guest convenience through mobile and contactless check-in.
• Properties seeking rapid deployment with minimal hardware infrastructure.
• Boutique, luxury, and resort hotels aiming to enhance guest experience.
• Hotels that want robust PMS integrations and multi-property management.
• Teams open to digital solutions that streamline front desk operations.

Not ideal if your hotel depends heavily on physical keys or security features managed through extensive hardware.

What Type of Hotel Should Use SALTO?

• Hotels with existing security infrastructure needing integrated access control.
• Properties prioritizing physical lock hardware and security features.
• Hotels with in-house technical support capable of managing hardware maintenance.
• Large hotels or resorts with complex access control needs beyond guest rooms.

Not ideal if your hotel values mobile app guest engagement, quick onboarding, and reliable tech support.

The Bottom Line for Hotels

OpenKey excels as a mobile-centric, easy-to-use platform with strong integrations, high customer satisfaction, and recent positive reviews. Its emphasis on guest experience and operational efficiency makes it suitable for most modern hotels, especially boutique and luxury properties.

SALTO offers advanced hardware solutions and comprehensive access control, but its poor recent support and limited reviews raise concerns about reliability. It might suit hotels with existing security infrastructure and in-house technical teams, but for most hoteliers, it’s a risky choice today.

If your priority is a proven, user-friendly mobile solution with extensive support, go with OpenKey. If high-end hardware security is your focus and you’re prepared to handle potential support issues, SALTO could be considered, though its current reputation suggests caution.