Hotel Has No Reservations About New Video System
Guests of New York’s Allegria Hotel and Spa can now enjoy an additional amenity – the enhanced safety of an IP video security system. The hotel celebrates the virtues of its integrator and new surveillance technology.
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No Room for Error
When working with a newly built hotel as it prepares for guests and services an installing systems integrator faces numerous scheduling, discretionary and architectural challenges. Reconciling similar deadlines but different goals and work schedules among multiple contractors during the construction of the hotel added to the challenges. The security project’s short timeframe (August to September 2009) made matters even more taxing.
Most of the specific installation hitches were associated with complications in the locations and ceiling or wall surfaces of mounting certain cameras. For example, a low ceiling on guest floors made it necessary to position some cameras off to one side so as to not obstruct beds, carts, tall guests, etc.
Valenza shares another setback: “The lobby ceiling was constructed of an elastic, rubber-like material that suspends a few inches from the ceiling itself, which made mounting a camera directly to the material impossible. A custom mounting bracket had to be designed and installed that extended through the suspended ceiling.”
On a
nother occasion, it became apparent that some of the exterior walls were covered by a stucco-like substance with sponge-like properties. This made it impractical to mount a standard camera enclosure. After some trial and error, a dome with special extended bolts proved to be the answer.
Throughout the project, CSI closely coordinated its efforts with the hotel’s staff as well as Design Communications Inc. (DCI), its communications and network partner, to tackle potential problems before they arose. This allowed CSI to avoid installation delays and avert any disruption to hotel construction, operations or services.
“Contractors were constantly on ladders and in transit through the hotel and the surrounding areas. Our security and operations staff worked closely with CSI to coordinate schedules around the hotel’s construction plan,” says LaHood. “CSI excelled during this phase by utilizing a large workforce that worked around our schedule to complete 90 percent of the physical installation in just a few days.”
Integrator Earns 5-Star Rating
As soon as the system was operational it was already helping the hotel safeguard staff, guests and visitors, as well as mitigate incidents. After a successful grand opening this past September, the hotel was immediately hosting banquets and sold-out nights that increased the potential for incidents.
“The new video surveillance solution not only gave the security staff video footage of minor incidents brought to their attention by guests, but also offered management a tool for supervising and training the new staff to ensure the highest level of customer service is achieved.” says LaHood.
Future plans include expanding the system and also adding visual and audible triggers. According to Valenza, CSI and the solution have exceeded the Allegria’s expectations. Listening to LaHood tell it, he may be too humble.
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“We are extremely satisfied with CSI and the video surveillance system installed,” he says. “CSI has excelled in every aspect of the project and has completed system add-ons in addition to the base project originally under contract. CSI has been one of the most professional, competent, and customer service-oriented companies we have had the pleasure of working with.”
Now that sounds like first-rate accommodations indeed.
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