Nuki smart lock – The keyless door lock for Airbnb hosts

What is a smart lock?

A smart lock is an innovative smart home device which allows guests to access your vacation rental without physical keys. The lock is Wifi or Bluetooth-enabled and uses your smartphone, a tap of the finger or voice command to unlock and lock the entry door. 

You also have the ability to set up remote access functionality, so that you can unlock the door for guests without being there and set them up with access on their smartphone for the duration of their stay.

How does Nuki Smart Lock work?

The installation of a Nuki Smart Lock is quite easy. Basically you will just have to mount the device onto your door lock cylinder (on the inside of your door), place your regular key inside the lock, secure the device and insert the power unit. 

Now the smart lock is ready to be connected to the Nuki app and controlled by your smartphone, smartwatch or even voice assistant via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.

Why should I consider using a smart lock? 

It’s not essential to install a smart lock in your vacation rental but as more and more guests opt for contactless check-in, installing a smart lock is a much more professional route to contactless check-in compared to traditional key boxes and key safes. 

One of the most stressful moments of a holiday is checking in or arriving and getting in the front door. Nobody wants to be fumbling with keys trying to unlock the front door. Some keys can be awkward to insert and others have a knack to them that your guests don’t know about!

What’s more your guests don’t want to have to walk around with their pockets or bags bulging with keys during their vacation and what happens when they forget them or lose them? 

All of these issues become a thing of the past with a smart lock device.

Five reasons why installing a digital door lock is the future of your vacation rental

• Key handovers to guests: Takes the mundane out of the monotonous tasks of key handovers and check-in. Whether in person or contactless.

• Late check-in or early check-out: One of the dreads of being a host or property manager is the late check-in or early morning check-out scenario. Or maybe your guest is on a delayed flight and you’re hanging around to let them in? 

  With a digital door lock this scenario is instantly eliminated as your guests have simple access via their smart phone during their stay, so all they have to do is arrive and let themselves, drop their luggage down and start enjoying their vacation. 

• Eliminates uncomfortable lock-box entry: Traditional wall-mounted key safes or lock boxes are ok, but who wants to be fumbling around for keys at midnight or juggling luggage and trying to get the pincode to work? 

• Added layer of security: Unlike key, a smart lock can’t be copied and key bumping becomes a thing of the past. Plus you can track access during a guest stay. 

Aside from these five great reasons to choose smart lock technology for your vacation rental, it will save you time and energy, and what’s more you can sync your smart lock with your Airbnb account!

What if I prefer a more personal touch to my guest experience?

You might be thinking, “Hold on, I like delivering a personal touch in my vacation home. I enjoy meeting and greeting with guests.” 

Installing smart home technology doesn’t take away from delivering on the guest experience. In fact, it increases it. Delivering on comfort, security and a better guest experience.

What to look for if I go for an Airbnb smart lock?

Smart locks are secure, easy to install and an essential element to a smart and connected vacation home. 

If you decide to go for an Airbnb smart lock these are the things you should check out before you buy. 

• Technology: You’ll find a host of smart lock brands in today’s smart home market. Features and prices vary, so it’s essential to do some research before you buy and weigh up the pros and cons. 

Think about what you want the smart lock to do and how you want to control it. Do you want it to be accessible only with your smart phone, or do you also want to be able to have voice control, or finger print recognition?

Are you happy to have just a smart phone app controlling the lock, or would you also like to access via your PC in which case you’ll need a smart lock that is connected to a web app.

• Reviews: Once you have a shortlist of smart lock options, make sure to check out their reviews on Trustpilot and ask for feedback from fellow hosts and property owners before you make your final decision. 
• Integration with your property management system: Research which smart locks are fully integrateable with your property management system before you buy.
• Recommended brand: One of the hottest smart lock brands in the market, which is receiving great feedback from hosts and managers is NUKI. They are also mentioned in Airbnb’s ‘Do’s and Dont’s of Self-Check-In’ article and can integrate with your Airbnb account. Definitely one to keep on your radar!

Calculate the costs to have a vacation rental smart home

If you are thinking that a smart lock is an expensive acquisition for your vacation rental, think again. They range in price based on their features but a good smart lock shouldn’t set you back much more than a traditional lock change. 

You can compare the cost of changing your key lock with a smart lock and then take into account the time and money saved  with a smart lock: No late night hand-overs, additional staff when you’re not too hand, and the ease and comfort for your guests. 

It could be one of the smartest investments you’ll make for your vacation rental business.

Nuki Smart Lock models

Nuki offers different smart lock models to choose from, but what are the differences and what fits your needs the best?  

With the introduction of the Smart Lock 3.0 and 3.0 Pro, Nuki has improved the Smart Lock button and made some mechanical modifications which makes the (un)locking less noisy than before with the 2.0 version. 

But there is more than that, take a look at our comparison and decide yourself.

Nuki Smart Lock 3.0 Pro

Integrated

Wi-Fi & Bluetooth

Rechargeable Nuki Power Pack

Yes

(Sold separately)

All common Smart-Home-Systems

Black & White

Colored LED 

to show low battery or a default

Aluminium

269 €

https://shop.nuki.io/en/access-solutions/smart-lock-3-euro-profile-cylinder/