Hotels Archives - Security Buyer Magazine

Hotels & Casinos: A winning hand

Exclusives, Industry Sectors, Technology / Rebecca Morpeth-Spayne

Security Buyer takes a look at how video surveillance and access control can be utilised in the hotel and casino space to reduce crime and improve employee safety For hotels, casinos and gaming facilities, there are a number of moving parts when it comes to security – from managing multiple points of entry and deterring theft, to reducing fraud and complying with regulations. Navigating the challenges brought on by a global pandemic has only heightened these security responsibilities further. However, by harnessing the power of contactless technologies, video surveillance and access control, hotels and casinos can continue to provide high levels of security, while protecting the health and safety of their guests. Biometrics in casinos Like many industries, the Covid-19 pandemic continues to have a profound impact on the global casino industry, despite doors having been reopened to the public. Many people are still vulnerable or anxious when it comes to the coronavirus, and therefore want to be reassured by hotel, event and leisure facilities that their cleanliness is up to code. This even extends to the security systems that in-house staff use to minimise contagion and improve security. Casinos on the other hand, face a unique set of challenges to protect the safety of their customers and staff, with factors such as the exchanging of money, use of slot machines and passing of chips all making it difficult to operate as a contactless environment. “By making the switch to contactless access control systems, casinos can minimise the risk of spreading contagious diseases among their staff and guests,” explains Gallagher’s Regional Manager for South East Asia, David Thean. It is not just the elimination of the potential spread of Covid-19 that provides biometric access control as a secure integration into any casino’s security system, but also the nature of biometrics. Casinos are known for the hustle and bustle of people, the constant 24-hour life that emanates from within. So, with the vast number of people inside a building at one time, casino owners must always be hot on their toes when it comes to access control for employees to ensure that no intruders can access valuable points, such as the cash registers/vaults etc within the premise. Biometrics offers a unique identification as opposed to keycards, fobs or keys that are prone to becoming lost, stolen or broken. Implementing biometrics with facial, iris or thumb recognition, casinos can protect assets and people from theft. Video surveillance in casinos Some of the best security solutions to integrate and couple with your biometric or access control systems, are video surveillance. The gaming industry faces significant challenges in security and fraud reduction: safeguarding guests and employees, protecting critical assets, and striving to gather intelligence to prevent major breaches and fraud. Stringent regulations must also be followed to maintain the integrity of operations and comply with governing bodies. Casino surveillance departments use video surveillance to gather data and address threats in real-time. It is a critical tool that allows operators to investigate events quickly, while mitigating future risk. Modern video surveillance systems have complete situational awareness, operational effectiveness and improves emergency responsiveness in casinos. Systems allow operators to detect and respond quickly to undesirable behaviour while capturing details even in extreme lighting conditions – allowing for 24/7/365 recording and full… To read the full exclusive see our latest issue here. Never miss a story… Follow us on: Security Buyer @SecurityBuyer @Secbuyer Media Contact Rebecca Morpeth Spayne, Editor, Security Portfolio Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922 Email: [email protected]

Hotels & Casinos: A winning hand Read More »

IDIS releases eBook to help hotel security

Industry Sectors, News Desk, Technology / Rebecca Morpeth-Spayne

The latest educational eBook from IDIS, highlights why it is crucial for hoteliers and hospitality owners to take advantage of next generation video technology to improve operational agility in turbulent trading conditions. Written to support security and safety planners and help their systems integrators understand how to address a range of challenges using the latest video tools – including strengthening security, enhancing guest safety and improving operational efficiency – can be found in the company’s latest eBook: Meeting the needs of the European hospitality sector with cutting-edge video tech. Following the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the European hospitality sector is facing continued pressure from rising energy costs, inflation and the cost-of-living crisis. As a result, hotels need to consider how they can enhance their agility and resilience as well as respond to changing customer requirements. Safety and security are still viewed as a top priority by guests and are often key factors for VIP and corporate customers when selecting their place to stay. Any security failures can quickly lead to direct losses, including rectification costs, reputational damage and loss of future business. For instance, theft continues to be a significant problem for hoteliers, including not just guests’ property being stolen but hotel property as well. A survey by Wellness Heaven stated that “luxury hotel larceny is rising precipitously” with mattress theft having increased by 35% in the last three years and television theft rising by 11%. Well-designed video systems are one of the most effective tools to combat any safety and security risks, especially when they are integrated with other building management and back-of-house systems. In addition, the latest generation of video solutions deliver benefits that provide hotels with a competitive advantage from a business perspective as well. For competitive hotels, video is no longer just used to reduce costs and cut risks, but to improve service delivery and efficiency in a way that is adding competitive value to the customer offering. For example, AI-powered video analytics can be used for queue and occupancy monitoring to alert managers to divert staff appropriately, as well as heatmapping historic data to understand peak times and streamline operations to guarantee a consistency of service. “The new educational eBook from IDIS highlights how video technology can be utilised to help the hospitality sector continue to evolve and modernise,” says James Min, Managing Director, IDIS Europe. “Our experience working in this sector has shown that the latest generation of video solutions can not only enhance safety for hotel staff and guests and increase the protection of property and assets, but also improve operational agility and business resilience.” The IDIS Europe Hotels eBook can be accessed on the IDIS website, along with a growing library of resources and reference materials to support technology decision makers. For more news updates, check out our latest issue here. Media contact Rebecca Morpeth Spayne, Editor, Security Portfolio Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922 Email: [email protected]

IDIS releases eBook to help hotel security Read More »

The Londoner Hotel & Hanwha Techwin

Industry Sectors, Technology, UK News Desk / Rebecca Morpeth-Spayne

The Londoner Hotel heralds a new kind of hotel. Dubbed the ‘super boutique hotel’ The Londoner is situated on one of the world’s most iconic squares, a true London landmark, with high calibre guests to match. The building spans 16 storeys, with five different restaurants and bars, a subterranean wellness floor with spa and gym, and 350 rooms and suites. As Tarik Khamliche, MD of SLAM Systems (the system integrator for the project) explained, “There was a clear focus on getting the best cameras and VMS to ensure security was optimised for The Londoner, there were no blind spots and events could be investigated easily. Simultaneously, camera devices needed to blend in well with the different themes and unique colourways in each bar, restaurant, corridor and other spaces.” Having worked with Hanwha Techwin for several years, with the Wisenet X series and Wisenet WAVE VMS tested in other hotels in the Edwardian Hotels London portfolio, the team decided that the Wisenet X series 5MP network cameras and Wisenet WAVE were ideal for protecting The Londoner. In total, 560 cameras have been installed across the site with six servers working to store, back up, and analyse footage. As no downtime can be afforded, each server is configured to back up another if it fails. Clear images for investigations The Wisenet X series cameras come with Hanwha Techwin’s proprietary Wisenet 7 chipset that enables features such as eXtreme WDR, and 100% lens distortion correction. This delivers high quality, clear images to The Londoner team so they can see an event occurring and the details of what has happened. Rapid, remote investigations enabled The Wisenet WAVE VMS offers a reliable, easy-to-use system for the Londoner team to quickly search footage, look at specific areas in the hotel, and support investigations post-event. Alerts automatically go to Mohamed Elsabahy, group CCTV manager for Edwardian Hotels London, if cameras, servers or hard drives fail to enable rapid response and avoid unnecessary downtime. Through Wisenet WAVE, cameras can be configured and viewed remotely if needed, across all hotels in the collection which have the VMS installed. “Through WAVE, I can remotely access any hotel’s video system and review its footage without spending time travelling to the site. It saves a lot of time and effort, and makes events much more accessible as I can quickly view what’s happened through my laptop or smartphone,” explained Mohamed Elsabahy, Group CCTV Manager. To read more exclusive features and latest news please see our Q4 issue here. Media contact Rebecca Morpeth Spayne, Editor, Security Portfolio Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922 Email: [email protected]

The Londoner Hotel & Hanwha Techwin Read More »

Dahua WizMind Solution boosts safety for a hotel

Industry Sectors, News Desk, Technology / Ghyslaine Cordrey

The Grand Hotel Victoria in Menaggio, wedged between the lakeside and the heights of the Lepontine Alps, promises its guests a unique experience. To make this happen, it is essential to improve the security level. Dahua Technology is a video-centric smart IoT solution and service provider. Hotel management has entrusted Dahua and MD Impianti (its System Integrator partner). In the solution provided by Dahua Technology, 15 units of IPC-HFW5241E-ZE 2MP bullet cameras with 2.7~13.5 mm motorised vari-focal lens of Dahua WizMind series – equipped with various AI functions such as perimeter protection and people counting – were installed to guard the outside of the building providing clear images even in the low-light environment thanks to IR LEDs (range up to 50 m), WDR (120 dB) and Starlight technology (till 0.0002 Lux before switching to B/W). With the deep learning algorithm, Dahua Perimeter Protection technology can recognise humans and vehicles accurately. In the restricted areas (such as pedestrian areas and vehicle areas), the false alarms are largely reduced. After crossing the main entrance surmounted by a balcony that rests on four Doric columns, no less than 110 units of IPC-HDW2431T-AS-S2 4MP eyeball network cameras – featuring IR LEDs and Starlight themselves – discretely watch over the premises of the historical and new wings. With upgraded H.265 encoding technology, Dahua Lite series network camera has efficient video encoding capacity, which saves bandwidth and storage space. This camera adopts the latest Starlight technology and displays better colour images in the condition of low illumination. Two 128-channel NVR608R-128-4KS2 network video recorders with 8 hard disks and redundant power manage all streams, while the networking was implemented with ePoE, PoE, and aggregation switches, connected by CAT6 cables and optical fiber. For applications where details are critical for identification, this enterprise-level NVR provides a powerful Intel processor with up to 4K resolution. Additionally, the NVR features a mouse shortcut operation menu, remote management and control, central storage, edge storage, and backup storage. All images collected by the whole system can be visualised both in the concierge and remotely. The latter is a feature that allows great flexibility to meet the needs of the end-user, who is already evaluating the integration of a DSS centralisation software and a video wall. To stay up to date on the latest, trends, innovations, people news and company updates within the global security market please register to receive our newsletter here. Media contact Rebecca Morpeth Spayne, Editor, Security Portfolio Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922 Email: [email protected]

Dahua WizMind Solution boosts safety for a hotel Read More »

Data security in hospitality

Exclusives, Industry Sectors, Product News, Technology / Editor

Security Buyer takes a look at how Covid-19 has impacted the need for more secure data security in the hospitality industry when doors begin to re-open Dubai eased COVID-19 restrictions, allowing hotels in the regional tourism hub to operate at full capacity and permitting concerts and sports events where all attendees and participants have been vaccinated. The United Arab Emirates ranks highly globally for COVID-19 testing and vaccination rates. Social distancing and compulsory face masks will continue, Dubai’s Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management said. Dubai has pushed to keep its economy, which relies on international trade and business, open through the pandemic after an initial lockdown. With hotels reopening, data security is proving to be more crucial than ever with information regarding travel vaccinations and negative test results added to the personal information of guests. In addition cybercrime over lockdown has risen and strict cybersecurity precautions are recommended. So, what can the hospitality industry do to protect data post Covid? The frequency of cyberattacks against business databases can be attributed to the fact that the hospitality industry largely depends on credit cards as a medium of payment. This may increase the chances of a hacker receiving access to sensitive information. Investing in proper data security in hospitality can work to protect not only the consumer but also the business from losing large sums of profit. The hospitality industry is one of the largest industries that cater specifically to humans. Hotels, restaurants, and resorts house large databases that contain data regarding business operations as well as consumer information that visit the restaurant or resort. The personal information collected can range from generic data like names and phone numbers to sensitive data like bank account details. In addition to this, databases in the hospitality industry also happen to be the most vulnerable to data breaches. It has been seen that the most number of breaches in security has resulted in identity theft and leaks of credit card information. Concerns The volume of credit cards as a medium of payment increases the chances of a hacker receiving access to sensitive information. Larger businesses contain multiple databases protected by thinly veiled encryption. The vulnerabilities in the data security in hospitality are also witnessed in the following aspect: Sovereignty over data: The data collected and the people who can access it differ from country to country. In communist countries like China and Russia, governments have access to every industry’s database. However, democratic governments, as seen in the European and North American countries, offer more data privacy in the hospitality industry. Financial restrictions: This is mostly seen in smaller businesses that are just starting or businesses that have seen a dip in visitors. The low funds will not allow an owner to invest in a capable cybersecurity provider. Divided ownership: High-profile businesses in this industry can have several owners or franchisors. Each of these individuals will have access to the databases on multiple devices. Therefore, a hacker can easily force their way into the mainframe. Electronic payment methods: The aforementioned reliance on payment cards can greatly increase the chances of information leaking. However, other virtual methods of payment like online payment and more can create the potential for cyber attacks. Disposal methods: Most businesses lack the ability to dispose of information that is no longer required properly. This leads to the accumulation of information like credit card data of past consumers and more. Lack of training: Staff training is restricted to the service aspect of the business. However, training employees to carry out processes in maintaining data security in hospitality like data collection and storage in the right manner is overlooked. Coercion: There is a chance that the hackers directly approach the employees of the business to release information and thus infiltrate the data security in hospitality. They can manipulate them to give up their loyalty towards the business. Adherence to law: Given the rise in data breaches, the security measures put in place by lawmakers are especially strict during this time. Therefore, failure to adhere to these laws leads to one paying large fines for putting consumer data at risk. Insider attacks: A scorned employee can be a potential offender towards the systems that possess data collected as they have a motive to sell sensitive information to competitors or hackers. However, the chance of this occurring is slim. Best practices As per the multiple threats that have been uncovered above, it is essential to understand how to ensure hotel data security. Therefore, the businesses in the hospitality industry employ the use of the following measures. Encrypting payment card data: This process can involve the addition of two-factor authentication that will protect the data from being accessible to non-employees. This encryption can prevent identity theft. Training and educating: Employees will require thorough vetting regarding the importance of proper data storage. This training can also work towards reducing the chances of insider attacks as only a few employees will have access to the databases. Cyber-security measures: This includes the addition of firewalls, traffic filters, and network monitors to guard against malware present online. Testing computer systems: The testing process applies to the cyber-security provider. That is to say, businesses are required to carry out several tests to determine if the provider can detect the threat or malware. Track data: Databases that are stored on various systems require a tracker. Through this tracker, one is capable of determining where the data is present or moving towards. According to the AARP, around 1.4 million cases of Identity theft were reported in 2020. Therefore, it has become one of the most common methods of fraud. To mitigate this, governments across the world have implemented the privacy act. This privacy act hopes to decrease the number of identity theft cases by regulating the information that is collected by businesses. Therefore, investing in proper data security in hospitality can work to protect not only the consumer but also the business from losing large sums of profit. The coronavirus pandemic has resulted in a rise in this type of criminal activity. With millions

Data security in hospitality Read More »

Guest Experience at Hotels Improved with Maxxess eFusion

Industry Sectors, Middle East Exclusives, Middle East News Desk, Technology / Editor

The eFusion solution is being used for comprehensive streamlining of security and safety – tying together front-of-house and back-of-house operations – at a number of landmark hotel developments in Dubai. The result will be a smoother check-in experience for guests, with minimal queuing, no cumbersome paperwork, and more attentive service. By integrating front and back of house operations at busy hotels, eFusion reduces problems with inefficiency and human error and improves situational awareness and control capability for management teams. Among the latest five-star destinations to adopt eFusion, the Taj Exotica Resort & Spa on Palm Jumeirah, which is due to open later this year, comprises seventeen floors with 200-plus rooms and suites, along with recreational and dining facilities. The Taj Jumeirah Lake Towers, another development by the Indian Hotels Company due to open this year, will also benefit from Maxxess integration technology. eFusion allows rapid integration – off-the-shelf – with a wide choice of security, safety and business-critical technologies. It provides an umbrella management system and allows the highest level of service efficiency by removing the need for operators to continually switch between systems. The systems and IT integrator for the new-build project, PACC Information and Communication Technology LLC, says eFusion was specified because it met requirements for the most robust solution and one that would be easy to adapt going forward. “Guest satisfaction is the hotel’s top priority and the eFusion system will let them focus their efforts on delivering it,” says PACC spokesman Shantanu Mukherjee. “Visitors to these new hotels will really notice the difference.” At the Taj Exotica, eFusion will integrate the front of house system from ASSA ABLOY; the Honeywell Simplex fire system controls; the Honeywell Building Management System connected via a Bacnet gateway; and a combination of 403 Hanwa Wisenet IP internal and external cameras, installed by ISS CCTV and operated through SecureOS video management software (VMS). The ASSA ABLOY VingCard access control system, securing almost 300 doors, will be managed from the eFusion platform alongside other key services due to be added, including the OTIS elevator controls. eFusion will allow the hotel’s management to define events of interest – such a particular door being unlocked, or alarms being set or unset – and provide transactional information to improve security for guests, and accountability. The solution also enables centralised management of room safes, mini-bars and cupboards, and the control of all alarm transactions. Cameras linked to door access will allow video pop-up to be triggered by pre-defined events, and operators will have complete PTZ control, playback and video functionality. Using eFusion off-the-shelf integration modules, ID badging and building management systems are also fully integrated, allowing easy operation and control of a wide range of functions including heating, ventilation and air conditioning. A further 300 rooms are expected to be added to the Taj Exotica Resort & Spa system in a phase-two development scheduled for 2021. Lee Copland, Managing Director EMEA, Maxxess Systems, said: “The eFusion platform was chosen for these major projects because it offers the advantages of a modular, building block approach and gives IHCL maximum freedom to integrate, customise and adapt to future needs. “This success positions Maxxess as a clear leader in linking front-and-back of house operations to enable seamless facilities management, safety and security operations in often complex and busy hotel environments. As well as the new IHC Taj hotels, Maxxess eFusion is also being implemented at six upcoming Dubai developments, including major hotel, leisure and retail destinations, with several other projects underway in the wider region as well as in London, UK.

Guest Experience at Hotels Improved with Maxxess eFusion Read More »

Maxxess eFusion security management platform integrates deister electronic key management systems

Event News, Middle East News Desk / Editor

Users can manage all their keys from their central security management platform. Delivering another high-value benefit to users, the Maxxess eFusion security management platform now integrates off-the-shelf and seamlessly with the widely used range of deister electronic key management systems. With this latest off-the-shelf integration eFusion users can now manage all their keys from their centralised security management platform, reducing the risk of security breaches and streamlining their day-to-day operations. Modular and scalable, the deister electronic systems encompass a range of cabinets which can store anything from eight keys to thousands. They can be used stand-alone or as part of a global corporate solution, in applications ranging from hotels and leisure settings to retail and up-scale residential developments. Lee Copland, Managing Director, Maxxess EMEA, said: “Knowing who has a particular key at any given moment significantly reduces the risk of losses and criminal activity. “The deister electronic systems make that task much simpler. And with real-time reports logging all system usage, users can be held accountable for any misuse, theft of loss of keys – better protecting buildings and assets.” The integration with deister electronic systems is just the latest example of how the eFusion platform gives users the freedom to integrate, customise and adapt their security systems to meet both current needs and emerging risks. eFusion’s open technology software supports more than 60 off-the-shelf integrations from leading vendors, providing complete freedom to customise solutions combining surveillance, access control, fire and intruder systems with back-office processes. Crucially, integration with Maxxess eFusion also reduces complexity for installers and their customers and offers unlimited future scalability at affordable price points. Darren Harrold, Head of UK Operations at deister electronics, said: “Off-the-shelf integration between our key management systems and eFusion will deliver major benefits to our customers. “This means they can now link their essential systems together – including their surveillance, intruder, access and fire detection systems – making a wide range of premises easier to manage and more secure.” Visitors to IFSEC International can see Maxxess eFusion and deister key management in action, where both companies will be exhibiting on stand IF2120 and IF410 respectively from 18 to 20 June at London’s ExCel.

Maxxess eFusion security management platform integrates deister electronic key management systems Read More »

Maxxess eFusion security management platform integrates deister electronic key management systems

Event News, UK News Desk / Editor

Maxxess eFusion security management platform integrates deister electronic key management systems Read More »

AC hotel in Times Square installs custom Boon Edam revolving door

Industry Sectors, Technology, UK News Desk / Editor

BoonAssist manual revolving door matches hotel’s sleek décor while creating “oasis of calm” in lobby. Times Square in New York City is arguably one of the most popular attractions in the world, with restaurants, stores, energetic crowds and pulsing lights from towering digital billboards. It’s also home to AC Hotel New York Times Square, a recently opened property that’s part of the AC Hotels by Marriott brand, located on West 40th Street. The one-year-old hotel has 21 floors with 290 rooms and suites, with options including high views, floor-to-ceiling windows and full balconies. It also has more than 3,500 square feet of event space, a 24/7 fitness center, an AC Library, and Castell Rooftop Lounge on the 21st floor. The hotel, which was designed by Helpern Architects of New York City, is detailed with original artwork in the hotel’s shared spaces – from sculptures to abstract paintings – by a mix of local, national and international artists. The photography in the guestrooms is by Richard Silver, featuring NYC’s iconic architecture. OTO Development, part of The Johnson Group, owns and operates AC Hotel New York Times Square. On average, more than 1,000 people enter the hotel each day, says General Manager Ben Britton. The property’s design team sought a main entrance solution that would not only accommodate pedestrian traffic but would also fit with the hotel’s soaring glass exterior and all-white entrance with its large, cantilevered awning extending over the sidewalk. The solution also needed to filter outside noise and other sensory distractions to help create an “oasis of calm, a retreat from New York City’s hustle and bustle,” Britton says. In addition, the entrance solution needed to coordinate with the overall hotel brand, based on providing a harmonious, modern and discerning guest experience. A Boon Edam BoonAssist manual assist revolving door met all of those requirements and more, including a custom-made, all-white color that matches the exterior entrance decor. The door’s dimensions are built to complement the scale of the entry at 10ft diameter and almost 14ft tall. “Due to the size of the door, we chose the manual assist option to reduce strain on the motor,” explains Britton. “The door has a weight to it that provides a sense of grandeur as you enter the hotel, while the power assist feature makes it easy for our guests to use.” The revolving door also helps ensure that hotel guests are connected with the full experience that the hotel aims to provide. “We are very keen on providing a sensory experience,” Britton says. “The lobby exudes the AC Hotels brand signature scent. We work to ensure the lobby space is quiet and calm so that our business guests can conduct a business conversation. Considering the environment outside on the street, the revolving door helps us achieve these goals – it also provides a brief transition experience for the customer as they pass through it, sort of ’washing the street off of you,’” Britton observes. Britton notes that maintenance of the Boon Edam revolving door has been seamless, with no issues to date. The hotel’s engineering team is fully trained on the door’s operation, including its regular maintenance schedule. The hotel’s operations team is pleased with how the Boon Edam revolving door controls pedestrian traffic and creates an ideal transition into the peaceful lobby; the design team is happy with how the door design and special color add to the beauty of the hotel exterior. “AC Hotel Times Square has gotten a lot of attention both nationally and internationally,” Britton says. “I believe that this type of sleek, modern design is the future. Hotel chains will update their design elements to be more in line with what our hotel has already accomplished. Boon Edam provided a great solution.”

AC hotel in Times Square installs custom Boon Edam revolving door Read More »

AC hotel in Times Square installs custom Boon Edam revolving door

Industry Sectors, News Desk, Technology / Editor

BoonAssist manual revolving door matches hotel’s sleek décor while creating “oasis of calm” in lobby Times Square in New York City is arguably one of the most popular attractions in the world, with restaurants, stores, energetic crowds and pulsing lights from towering digital billboards. It’s also home to AC Hotel New York Times Square, a recently opened property that’s part of the AC Hotels by Marriott brand, located on West 40th Street. The one-year-old hotel has 21 floors with 290 rooms and suites, with options including high views, floor-to-ceiling windows and full balconies. It also has more than 3,500 square feet of event space, a 24/7 fitness center, an AC Library, and Castell Rooftop Lounge on the 21st floor. The hotel, which was designed by Helpern Architects of New York City, is detailed with original artwork in the hotel’s shared spaces – from sculptures to abstract paintings – by a mix of local, national and international artists. The photography in the guestrooms is by Richard Silver, featuring NYC’s iconic architecture. OTO Development, part of The Johnson Group, owns and operates AC Hotel New York Times Square. On average, more than 1,000 people enter the hotel each day, says General Manager Ben Britton. The property’s design team sought a main entrance solution that would not only accommodate pedestrian traffic but would also fit with the hotel’s soaring glass exterior and all-white entrance with its large, cantilevered awning extending over the sidewalk. The solution also needed to filter outside noise and other sensory distractions to help create an “oasis of calm, a retreat from New York City’s hustle and bustle,” Britton says. In addition, the entrance solution needed to coordinate with the overall hotel brand, based on providing a harmonious, modern and discerning guest experience. A Boon Edam BoonAssist manual assist revolving door met all of those requirements and more, including a custom-made, all-white color that matches the exterior entrance decor. The door’s dimensions are built to complement the scale of the entry at 10ft diameter and almost 14ft tall. “Due to the size of the door, we chose the manual assist option to reduce strain on the motor,” explains Britton. “The door has a weight to it that provides a sense of grandeur as you enter the hotel, while the power assist feature makes it easy for our guests to use.” The revolving door also helps ensure that hotel guests are connected with the full experience that the hotel aims to provide. “We are very keen on providing a sensory experience,” Britton says. “The lobby exudes the AC Hotels brand signature scent. We work to ensure the lobby space is quiet and calm so that our business guests can conduct a business conversation. Considering the environment outside on the street, the revolving door helps us achieve these goals – it also provides a brief transition experience for the customer as they pass through it, sort of ’washing the street off of you,’” Britton observes. Britton notes that maintenance of the Boon Edam revolving door has been seamless, with no issues to date. The hotel’s engineering team is fully trained on the door’s operation, including its regular maintenance schedule. The hotel’s operations team is pleased with how the Boon Edam revolving door controls pedestrian traffic and creates an ideal transition into the peaceful lobby; the design team is happy with how the door design and special color add to the beauty of the hotel exterior. “AC Hotel Times Square has gotten a lot of attention both nationally and internationally,” Britton says. “I believe that this type of sleek, modern design is the future. Hotel chains will update their design elements to be more in line with what our hotel has already accomplished. Boon Edam provided a great solution.”

AC hotel in Times Square installs custom Boon Edam revolving door Read More »