Starwood guests avoid front desk hassle with keyless app

Smartphones are getting even smarter by allowing people to check into hotels without a key.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc launched the SPG Keyless project, the group's first mobile, keyless entry system, which allows hotel guests to use their smartphone as a room key.

Available to members of Starwood Preferred Guest, or SPG, the keyless project has been operational in the group's 10 hotels around the world since Nov 5, including the Aloft Hotel in Beijing.