New technology allows guests to unlock hotel rooms using smartphones and smartwatches without downloading a separate app, with expansion planned for Ancient Sands and Club Paradisio.
El Gouna – Egypt – Al Rehla
Hotels in Egypt’s El Gouna have begun introducing digital room key technology, allowing guests to unlock their rooms using smartphones and smartwatches instead of traditional key cards. The service is now operational at Casa Cook El Gouna, with plans to expand it to two additional resorts managed by Orascom Hotels Management.
On November 11, 2026, Vingcard, part of the global access solutions group ASSA ABLOY, announced its collaboration with Orascom Hotels Management to introduce its Wallet Key technology across three El Gouna resorts, integrated with Hudini’s digital hospitality platform.
The project includes Casa Cook El Gouna, where the service is currently available, alongside Ancient Sands Golf Resort and Club Paradisio, which are part of the planned expansion. However, guest availability at the latter two properties has not yet been confirmed.
How Does the Digital Key Work?
The technology allows guests to add their room keys directly to Apple Wallet or Google Wallet during online check-in or by scanning a QR code provided by reception staff.
Guests can then unlock their rooms simply by holding a compatible smartphone or smartwatch near the door lock, eliminating the need for a physical key card or a separate hotel application.
The system also enables hotels to manage access permissions digitally, including room changes, extended stays, and access to authorized facilities.
Sanjay Sharma, Chief Technology Officer at Orascom Hotels Management, explained that the objective extends beyond introducing new technology to enhancing the guest experience by removing the inconvenience of waiting for, carrying, and keeping track of traditional room keys.
"Our goal was not merely to adopt a new technology, but to elevate the guest experience by removing the friction associated with waiting for, carrying, and keeping track of a physical key."
— Sanjay Sharma, Chief Technology Officer at Orascom Hotels Management
Three Resorts Included in the Project
The rollout began at Casa Cook El Gouna, an adults-only hotel offering a contemporary, tranquil hospitality experience near the Red Sea.
The next phase includes Ancient Sands Golf Resort, which combines hotel accommodation and apartments with golf facilities, and Club Paradisio, a beachfront resort.
Expanding the system across different types of hospitality properties will provide an opportunity to assess its application in diverse accommodation environments.
Al Rehla Perspective | Are Traditional Hotel Key Cards Disappearing?
The initiative represents another step in the digital transformation of Egyptian hospitality, shifting part of the guest experience to personal devices and offering greater convenience without requiring additional applications.
Such systems could help hotels reduce their reliance on plastic key cards and simplify certain operational processes. However, no figures have been disclosed regarding financial savings or actual guest adoption rates.
The introduction of digital keys does not mean traditional cards will disappear entirely. Physical key cards remain available upon request, while digital access depends on device compatibility and service availability at each hotel.
The rollout in El Gouna illustrates a broader shift toward integrating smart access solutions with digital check-in and hotel management systems, making technology an increasingly seamless part of the everyday guest experience rather than simply an additional hotel amenity.
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