Room key

How it is used

Common at check-in, security, and lost-item situations. It may mean a metal key or, in modern hotels, a coded plastic card.

Example sentences

1. I left my room key inside, so reception checked my identity before issuing a replacement.

   The term refers to the device used to unlock the guest room, which may be a physical key or card.

2. At checkout, the receptionist asked whether the second room key was still with the children or left upstairs.

   In this example, the term is used as a countable hotel item that staff track when guests finish their stay.

Common collocations

• spare room key
• return the room key
• lost room key

Related terms

• key cardA plastic card used instead of a metal key to open a hotel room door; in many rooms it also switches on the electricity.
• check inTo arrive at a hotel, register your details and receive your room key. Staff also check a guest in.

More terms: Check-in & Check-out

• check out
• bill
• late check-out
• registration card
• pre-authorization
• incidentals
• settle the bill
• early check-in
• invoice
• receipt
• wristband
• welcome drink