All hotel doors, existing and new construction, utilize one of two 'Latch Types'. Latch types are categorized as either (1) Cylindrical or (2) Mortise. The easiest way to tell the difference is with the cylindrical lock, the latch plate or face plate on the edge of the door is about 2 long.

In 2026, the most common hotel door lock is the RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) electronic lock. These have largely replaced the old magnetic stripe cards that were prone to deactivation. RFID locks allow for "contactless" entry—you simply tap your card or a mobile device against the reader. Many modern hotels are also transitioning to Mobile Key/Bluetooth locks, where your smartphone acts as the key via the hotel's app. For security, these locks are paired with a heavy-duty mortise lock inside the door, which includes a latch and a deadbolt. Most rooms also feature a secondary physical security device, such as a "swing-bar" or "U-bolt" latch, which can only be operated from the inside. This multi-layered approach ensures that while the electronic system manages access logs and staff entry, the guest has ultimate physical control over the door while they are inside the room.