Guestroom Presence Detection – For several years, energy-efficiency codes have mandated various degrees of manual/semi-automatic shutoff of lighting (and in some states also power outlets) when a guestroom is unoccupied. Now, codes are starting to require automatic detection of guest presence for lighting, power and air-conditioning to be fully enabled.
Various methods exist with the most reliable utilizing some form of multi-factor authentication (multiple methods to verify if a guestroom is occupied or unoccupied). Typically, the entry door is monitored to determine when it opens, using a contact switch or a signal from the door lock, indicating someone is entering or leaving the room.
Within the guestroom, an occupancy detector provides the defining information if the room is now occupied or unoccupied. For either condition, that state remains in effect until the entry door opens again, and the occupancy detector then performs another check of the room.
Lighting in bathroom areas is exempt from this requirement. Here, lighting is on a vacancy detector that automatically turns the bathroom lights off after a prescribed time.
Online Digital Thermostats – Digital thermostats are not new but having them communicate directly with hotels’ property management systems is a relatively recent enhancement. When a room is unsold, significant energy savings are realized by automatically adjusting the maintained temperature up or down from the nominal setpoint. Even when sold, the temperature can be offset slightly during periods when the guests are not in the room.
The thermostats specified today are typically the “thinking” portion of a guestroom’s presence detection system, interpreting the signals from the entry door and occupancy sensor, which is often incorporated into the thermostat. As such, the thermostat may also communicate with the guestroom’s lighting controls, automatically turning lights off when it is verified the room is unoccupied.
Smart Televisions – Every hotel has HDTV, but can guests easily stream their own content to it? Not long ago, guestroom TVs had multiple, physical connectors for different cables from VGA (anybody remember that?) to HDMI. The problem is, nobody carries cables. Today, wireless connectivity is being provided via TVs with built-in capability or an external dongle. Further, a guest should be able to access his or her personal service provider(s) without disclosing confidential sign-on or account information to the hotel’s IT system.
Lighting Controls – Electronics and wireless communication have benefited lighting controls significantly. Previously, a simple electric switch was typically present only at the entry of a guestroom and at the bathroom, and each controlled the off/on function of only those lights in their respective area. Today, electronic lighting controls allow lighting throughout a guestroom to be operated in a flexible manner as desired by the guest. Individual and/or groups of lights may be set to the intensity best suited for work or relaxation. Some initial installations of systems that can also change the temperature of lighting from cool (energizing) to warm (relaxing) also are occurring. Further, wireless communication between lighting controls permits additional devices to be placed at bedside, desk and lounging areas for increased convenience to the guest at minimal additional cost.
Additional, related features are the implementation of electronic Do Not Disturb (DND) and Make-Up Room (MUR) systems. Activating DND not only provides a visual indication in the corridor, but also disables the guestroom doorbell (if present) and non-emergency calls to the telephone. Requests to MUR are transmitted directly to Housekeeping and, for security, an indication is not provided in the corridor. This also eliminates hangtags that disclose when a guestroom is unoccupied.
Distributed Antenna Systems – Today, it is a guest expectation to have a strong cellular signal throughout a hotel— from below-grade levels to its highest floor. Similar to the deployment of multiple wireless access points for continuous internet connectivity, a distributed antenna system, or DAS, is basically an internal array of mini cell towers. Usually, a single DAS is designed to handle many of the major cellular services providers in the area, and those companies may heavily subsidize the cost. Also of note, municipalities are now beginning to require a separate DAS for exclusive use by emergency responders because cellular communication is rapidly replacing their older two-way radios.
Although most consumer apps will function fundamentally the same on a multitude of devices regardless of manufacturer or service provider, commercial technology systems often have unique or proprietary requirements. Further, with many of the technology systems relying on wireless (but not necessarily Wi-Fi) communication, especially in a renovation application, it is imperative they “speak the same language”. (At least seven different wireless communication protocols exist among manufacturers of devices found in the hospitality industry.) Significant interdependence exists between many of these systems and what may appear to be an “equal” substitution of a specified component may result in unforeseen system problems. When assembling a comprehensive technology package from multiple manufacturers, it is critical that a systems integrator is retained to evaluate the operating characteristics of each component and their ability to function cohesively.
A Typical Connected Guestroom
- Wireless communication between devices
- RFID door lock with communication capability to cell phone
- Corridor-located doorbell push button with Do Not Disturb indicator
- Guestroom-located Do Not Disturb/Make-Up Room control
- Controls for doorbell and lighting (dimming) located above closet
- Electronic thermostat connected to property management system; may have presence detection
- Ceiling-located, supplemental presence detection sensor (if not part of thermostat)
- Electronic lighting control (typical, multiple locations)
- Smoke detector with optional CO detection (if required by local code)
- Audible/visual fire alarm with emergency communication capabilities
- Smart HDTV capable of streaming guest-provided content
- Lighting fixtures (typical)
IMAGES: Anthony J. Spata
Editor’s Note: ANTHONY J. SPATA, P.E., LEED AP, based this article on his keynote presentation at LightShow West 2018. LightShow West 2019 will feature a keynote panel discussion titled, “Revenge of the Interior Architects: Who Will be Left Standing?”, when LSW returns to the Los Angeles Convention Center, Sept. 25-26. Learn more about the keynote panel presentation or any LSW 2019 educational program.