Best Western Installs Miwa Smart Locks

The Russell Hotel, part of Best Western, has replaced mechanical door locks as part of an upgrade and refurbishment programme with 50 of Miwa's new AL5H 'Dual Technology' smart locks.

Richard Slate, General Manager of the Russell Hotel, explains: "We decided to embark on an upgrade and refurbishment programme for three main reasons.

Firstly we wanted to make alterations to the hotel to comply with the upcoming Disability discrimination Act (DDA) regulations.

Secondly Best Western have decreed by January 2004 they require all hotels within the group to have electronic locking facilities, something we had planned to fit for a while.

And, thirdly, we want to make sure our guests are secure during their stay with us so we wanted the best locking system we could find, something that would not only offer the latest technology - but also be capable of growing with us in the future." General Manager of Miwa Lock Co UK, Andy Purvis, said: "Richard wanted to replace his key-based mechanical locks with state-of-the-art electronic locks so we specified our new AL5H system for the Russell Hotel.

This combines Magstripe and smart card technologies into one industry leading lock to meet a wide variety of security needs.

The AL5H has been designed to offer true 'one lock does all' functionality and designed to read both Magstripe and smart cards as standard.

The AL5H requires no hardwiring with all programming being achieved in the Russell's case, by a KFDS stand alone infra-red upload/download data link via the front desk, with locks taking just 15-20 seconds to program." "This means one of the greatest benefits of the new lock is that guests with a hotel issued smart card, such as a loyalty card, and internet access can now pre-register on-line.

This allows the hotel to pre-program the allocated room lock with check-in and checkout time information etc shortly before the guest arrives.

This reduces time spent on registration and check-in procedures, enabling the guest to reach their room with the minimum of delay and use their own loyalty card as their room key.

This is not only more convenient for the guest, but also greatly reduces the high loss rate of desk issued cards not handed back when guests check-out." "Both cards and locks can be programmed to open any combination of doors at different times of day - giving the hotel complete access control.

The AL5H features deadbolt and handle reporting and, for added convenience; an audio in/out bleep can be activated that makes the lock easy to use for visually impaired or elderly guests.

An auto deadbolt version is also available if required.

With outstanding functionality, the ability to interface with all popular types of front desk PMS system and a free upgrade facility when required, the AL5H is the system of choice for any hotel - big or small." Richard Slate concludes: "We've fitted 50 AL5H locks in an attractive polished brass finish to our guest rooms, conference and banqueting suites and a variety of back of house rooms.

I've been impressed by their quality and performance and even with an impressive range of functions, our staff have found them quick and easy to programme.

The Russell prides itself on its welcoming atmosphere and high standards of quality, service and value - exactly the reasons we chose Miwa AL5H locks for the hotel.".

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