Integration Story: Outrigger Hotel Lets Guests Leave Cash And Credit Cards Behind

Used with permission from RFID Journal, Inc.

Initially, the company is trialing the system at Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach, by offering the RFID-enabled card to select guests. The hotel's restaurant is employing a handheld RFID interrogator to capture a card's unique ID number, enabling guests to pay for a meal. In early July, White says, he intends to have the first outside retail establishment using the system, while another 13 retailers have agreed to participate as the system is gradually deployed this year.

According to White, the Outrigger has, in the past, made payment arrangements with some participating retailers allowing guests to make purchases at those locations, then pay for them at the hotel upon checking out. However, he notes, that scenario required a unique arrangement and point-of-sale (POS) connection between the hotel and each retailer. About two years ago, White says, he began envisioning a plan to tie all local retailers into the hotel, and to make purchasing easier for guests who might not carry large amounts of cash or credit cards with them as they walk, for instance, from their room to the beach.