We had this issue this summer at the Westin in Hilton Head. We insisted they fix the lock immediately to switch us to another room.

I always hold the door handle and <b>shut</b> the door, slowly and firmly, then try opening it (after I realize the keys are inside!). I HATE my fellow guests who allow doors to slam, and all lock problems always seem to be sticky mechanisms or slightly misaligned parts that intermittatnly don't lock.

I moonlight at a hotel. Like the rooms at OO's, ours do NOT open at all when the batteries fail, and I cannot imagine any company designing the systems otherwise. About being able to use the keys to open another guest's door, I am absolutely positive the keycard didn't &quot;unlock&quot; the door: the door wasn't latched. At least with our system (used in most hotels) you cannot key rooms with identical keys, something those families who rent multiple rooms often request.

Close that door yourself and check it.

Thanks for the heads up P_M! I'll certainly remember this.

mom

It's been a busy weekend and I'm just now getting back to the board. Thank you all for your replies and for sharing your own experiences. Happy Monday to all. (if that's possible) ;-)

P_M: ” I don't usually do this, but for some unknown reason I reached back to test the door and make sure it was locked.”

ms_go: “For whatever reason, I reached back to test the door once I closed it, and was surprised that it was still open.”

There’s something to be said for a sixth sense… When in doubt, listen to your feelings.

How disturbing! Thank you PM, for letting us know about this experience. I am SO glad that no harm came to you. This is one of those situations where you close your eyes with fright to think of what could have happened. Gratefully you are safe and here to warn your fellow Fodorites, for this I am thankful.

And now when we check to make sure that door is locked, we will think of you! Thank you sweetie!

I always double check doors when I leave. And always use the double lock when inside. I did have one of those electronic locks malfunction once and lock me IN. That was scary!

Thanks for the warning.

I'm the one who's checking for key about every 2-3 seconds before leaving the room. I make sure to hold the card in one had as I close the door. I tend to bolt the door as soon as I enter so I do think it's latched, but maybe I'll check the door when I'm inside from now on.