OpenKey vs The Elser Hotel
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
OpenKey
Unlock hotel rooms worldwide using your smartphone as a secure digital key. Access your room instantly, share keys with companions, and manage your stay with features like check-out details and hotel information.
- Instant room access
- Digital key sharing
- Contact hotel operations
- View check-out details
- Room number displayed
- Explore hotel amenities
- Request check-out
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Introducing the latest release of the OpenKey Guest mobile app! Access hotel rooms worldwide with a secure and convenient digital key directly on your smartphone. With the OpenKey app, you can enjoy the following features: - Instant Room Access: Easily unlock your guest room with a simple touch of a button. No more fumbling with keycards or waiting in line at the front desk. - Key Sharing: Share your digital key with up to 4 other guests, making it easier for your travel companions to access the room. - Contact Hotel: Contact the hotel operations team for any additional needs during your stay, like extra pillows or towels, potential reservation details, and questions that may arise. - Check-Out Details: View your check-out date and time on the mobile key, helping you stay organized and plan your departure effortlessly. - Room Number on Mobile Key: Say goodbye to the hassle of carrying a keycard jacket. Your room number is conveniently displayed on the mobile key, allowing for a streamlined and hassle-free experience. - Hotel Exploration: Discover hotel amenities, dining options, and other features through the app. Get a comprehensive overview of everything your hotel has to offer. - Check-Out Request: Send a check-out request directly from your mobile key screen. Simplify the check-out process and save valuable time.
The Elser Hotel
This digital concierge app enhances your hotel experience by offering mobile room access, service bookings, direct staff communication, and in-app food ordering. Manage your stay, review billing, and access exclusive offers for a personalized visit.
- Digital room key access
- Book additional amenities
- Direct chat with staff
- In-app food and drink ordering
- Manage billing and folio
- Personalize your stay
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Welcome to The Elser Hotel's official app, your personal digital concierge designed to enhance your stay. Whether you're planning your visit or are already a guest, this app provides seamless access to all the amenities and services The Elser has to offer. With this app, you can: Unlock Your Stay: Use your smartphone as a digital key for easy and secure room access. Enhance Your Stay: Add extra amenities and services to your reservation with just a few taps. Stay Connected: Use the chat feature to communicate directly with our staff, ensuring all your needs are met in real time. Order Food & Drinks: Browse menus and order directly from our restaurant to enjoy in your room or at any of our property’s locations. Manage Your Stay: Review your billing details, monitor your folio, and stay updated on any charges throughout your stay. The Elser Hotel app is designed with your convenience in mind, giving you the power to personalize your stay, access exclusive offers, and experience Miami in style. Download now to start your journey with The Elser Hotel! If you have any questions or need assistance during your stay, our team is just a tap away via the app’s chat feature. We look forward to making your stay unforgettable.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is rating: OpenKey at 4.7 against The Elser Hotel's 3.7. OpenKey also leads on ratings volume (3.1K vs 3). The Elser Hotel's advantage is iOS requirement (11.0 vs 14.0). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
OpenKey holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 3.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: OpenKey has 3.1K ratings behind it against 3, so its average is the more settled of the two.
OpenKey ships an update every 2 months, The Elser Hotel monthly. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and October 25, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | OpenKey | The Elser Hotel |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.7 (3.1K ratings) — better | 3.7 (3 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 72.6% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 3.1K — better | 3 |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | Monthly — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better |
| Requires iOS | 14.0 | 11.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 107 MB | 97 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | OPENKEY, INC. | The Elser Hotel |
Customer experience
OpenKey
The Elser Hotel
Bugs and requests
OpenKey
Reported bugs
3 issues- App crashes frequently
- Fails to unlock doors sometimes
- Issues with updating and reinstalling
Requested features
2 requests- Apple Watch app integration
- Improved error handling and troubleshooting
The Elser Hotel
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
In-app purchases
OpenKey
No in-app purchases
The Elser Hotel
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is OpenKey free?
Is The Elser Hotel free?
Which has better reviews, OpenKey or The Elser Hotel?
Do OpenKey or The Elser Hotel have ads?
Which is updated more often, OpenKey or The Elser Hotel?
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