Wristbands? Any advantage over a room key?

[schoolmarm]

I confess, I have NEVER gotten a wristband at any resort, with the exception of an all-inclusive Xcarat in Mexico. It was ok. I was worried with scuba diving that it would deactivate but it was good to go and had to be cut off at the end of the stay.

On my last trip to NYC I was badgered by the "wrist-band" "Bookers". I was overloaded with bags and just curtly said "I'm here for work. Why in the world do I want a wristband that 'marks' me as a tourist?"

And now I'm thinking--IS there ANY advantage to having a wristband instead of a room key? Discounts? Perks?
I am often in Wyndham resorts for work--Atlanta, DC, NYC, and elsewhere. The wristband gets in the way of computer work and I find them annoying. Am I missing out on something?
Truly, in a big metropolitan area with public transportation, the wristband can "mark" you as a tourist. This is a safety concern for someone who is female and mostly travels alone. I'd rather blend in with the locals.

 

[gwynhyvar]

I turn mine inside out and it looks like a bracelet. It’s easier than fumbling for a card, especially when the elevator requires it. It’s probably personal preference.


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[paxsarah]

Convenience is the only reason. Certainly if you're in cities and don't want to be marked as a tourist (I totally get it), a key card does everything the wristband does. My last Wyndham stay was at Ocean Ridge in October, and it was extremely convenient for me to wear the wristband during the triathlon I had gone there for, rather than stash my key card somewhere during the race. Also when I was making multiple trips to get my gear and bike back into and out of my unit. Since they've introduced the wristbands, I've mostly only been to "touristy" places, so I've used them without any concerns.

Edit: It's also not the type of wristband that needs to be cut off. It's a soft fabric elastic. It's actually almost exactly like fashion/inspiration wristbands I've bought from Zox, except it has a small plastic key slider on it. The band can be taken on and off easily, and is pretty comfy (and I surely wouldn't notice it while typing).

 

[gwynhyvar]

Here’s a quick picture of the wristband inside out.

 

[Sandy VDH]

I vote for bracklet for convenience too. No need to dig around for a key, and no need to leave it lying around when you go into the pool or the ocean.

 

[Eric B]

Every time I've gotten a wristband at a Wyndham or WorldMark they have not asked me to turn in the regular key cards. Also, you don't really need to turn them inside out in order to avoid being marked as a tourist - you can still take them off and stick them in your pocket and they're smaller than the key cards. I get them when they are available.

 

[Sandi Bo]

Another vote for convenience. I love not digging for a key.

For those that don't wear them, as a rule, I don't think they are often asked for, but once in a while I'll hear someone mention they were asked by security where their wrist band was.

 

[BDMX2]

Yet another vote for convenience. I do wish the key part was somehow more flexible and I could slide it onto my watch band or something like that. I'm sure I could get creative and figure out an option, but I haven't fiddled much with one of my old ones.

 

[b2bailey]

I have a reputation for losing / misplacing keys.
So I rejoice when a wrist band is available.

 

[Eric B]

They're stretchy enough to put on your ankle if you're worried about being marked as a tourist, too. Good way to work on your flexibility opening doors that way....

 

[Jan M.]

I have a reputation for losing / misplacing keys.
So I rejoice when a wrist band is available.

I'm laughing about you saying you have a rep. I always ask for 3 room keys for just the 2 of us because at some point DH will either misplace or lose one. He really likes the wristbands.

 

[RipJones]

When we "upgraded" to Bonvoy from SVO, the "Welcome Package" includes two Bonvoy bracelets for use at any of the properties. I am definitely going to try it during our trip to Spring Training baseball in Bradenton in March.

 

[rickandcindy23]

We are at Branson Meadows and have the wristbands, but we are wearing long sleeves, so I can cover that thing up with my sleeve.