Keys vs. Electronic Locks ?

 We have one for our front door so that our guests don't need keys. But we have regular keys for their room doors. I love my keypad door lock!!!!

riki

The keypad lock for the front door is a good idea.  But for guest rooms since you only have one room, I don't think you need to buy it for the guest room.  #1 - Cost, #2 - If you have nice guest room doors, it is more of a detraction to the door.  Just give your guests a room key.

Front door -- absolute must have.  Be aware that models vary as to features.  We have a Schlage that allows you to use a conventional style inside handle to turn lock off, and that allow someone to exit and door will lock behind them.  That is the most normal operation, but not all keyless are like that.  Look at Schlage web site.  I'll try to find model number, but I hear a hairdryer so my last breakfast will be here soon ...

We have them on all our doors, and I absolutely adore them.

When I check guests in I give them the code to the door (while everyone's there, listening) and let them practice.  I choose simple codes (with memory devices) and change them now and then.

There have been times when a guest was delayed and it has been great to be able to give them the code and let them do a self-checkin.  Most of the time that's for repeat guests who know their way around the house.

We also have them on all the guest room doors and our own bedroom doors.

No keys... it's awesome!!!

=)
Kk.

I think they are a good idea generaly I don't have them myself but from a self check in perspective they are invaluable. I prefer to check people in myself but as I am sure everyone here will agree with me A. sometimes we have to have lives and B. I aint waiting up till 2am for the guy who missed his train/flight. That way you give him/her the code and they can sort themselves out. My lock box bought on the advice of this forum is priceless as I rarely use it but it gives me peace of mind.

We have an electronic keypad lock on the front door - works fantastic, I wouldn't want to go with keys. It's a different model than Morticia's - I believe we have that model on a door to our private space. It's REALLY loud (not the beeping, but the grinding/motion of the bolt movement). We actually rarely use it, but it's nice that it's there.

We haven't had an issue with guests forgetting, I suppose because we use a number they'd easily remember and we run it for them in person. I can see it would be a challenge for someone unfamiliar who was doing a self-check in.

DH tells me he's found mechanical (no batteries), programmable keypad locks for the guest rooms (we're also planning to put them on the hall baths, to avoid opportunism). Because our codes are guest specific, the code will be the same for front door, guest room door, and bath door (if not en suite). I haven't seen these locks yet (DH hasn't gotten the info to me yet), so I can't tell you if/how they work or even where to order them. Jsut sharing that the option is out there.

I figure that avoiding keys for guests (although WE have physical keys as well as master codes) is one less thing for me to have to keep track of (lost keys, replacement keys, changing locks, lost key charges). I wait until the guests are out the door, scan the room/s for forgotten items, and then I change the code on the front door. Done.

Don't think in your situation it is really needed. But front door entrance..a great thing. Many folks here have them.

We've talked about this before and I seem to be the only person with a keypad lock that makes noise, so NOT a good idea to get the one I have for a guestroom.

However, it's great for the front door. I, too, thought setting the code to the person's phone number would be great, then I considered 7 rooms x 7 days a week and decided to just make up a code and change it every month. Easier for you, tho, so yes, good idea to set it to something the guest alreadys knows.

I'll tell you this, 75% of my guests do not remember the code and they ring the bell at some point and say, 'I forgot the code,' or, 'I forgot to bring the code with me,' or, 'My wife memorized it and she's in the room.' Almost exclusively this happens during breakfast or very early morning.

Again, not a big deal as long as you make the guest understand the door will be locked at all times and without the code they have to wait for someone to get home.