Simplified Serenity: Secure Self-service at Iceland Hotel

Akureyri is the “Capital of North Iceland” and is the second largest urban area outside of Reykjavík. Situated at the head of Eyjafjörður, one of the longest fjords in Iceland, and with Hlíðarfjall mountain as a backdrop, it’s no surprise that the town is also a hub for adventure tourism.

At the base of Hlíðarfjall with views over Akureyri sits Hótel Hálönd, a new self-service hotel. Local, certified ICT Partner, Securitas Iceland were challenged to keep the property secure and provide guests with an automated check-in process, to minimize the need for staff onsite helping keep hotel rates down.

Challenge.

• Accessible, but secure feel for visitors and staff
• Automatic delivery of guest access codes
• Remote monitoring and notifications for staf

Solution.

• Protege GX with keypad readers for keyless entry
• Data Sync sends PINs to guests 15 minutes after booking
• Email/mobile notifications for staff if response needed

“Not many people believed in our idea of an unmanned hotel, but Securitas changed that with a smart technology solution from ICT. “

Írena Sædísardóttir, Hotel Manager at Hótel Hálönd

Outcome.

Find out more. Server-based access control system, Protege GX, uses Data Sync to talk to the hotel reservation system. This software licence allows easy bi-directional integration with external data sources. At Hótel Hálönd it syncs customer bookings and access rights to the hotel, so when guests are confirmed, access codes are automatically sent within 15 minutes. It also ensures that PINs are only usable for the booking period and deleted when guests leave.

The tSec Keypad Readers connected to each door means that each unique guest PIN can be used to access guest rooms, ski/bike equipment storage, and other areas. Video surveillance also makes it easy to monitor and ensure the safety of guests in the hotel.

This solution delivers considerable cost savings as Hótel Hálönd has minimal staff, so guests benefit from competitive prices. They also have the freedom of no key or card to carry, easy access to communal areas, and no check in and out formalities.

“Protege GX meets all the customer’s needs. The flexible, modern technology makes it easy to bring self-service to life for the hotel.”

Hafþór Harðarson, Product Manager at Securitas