California-based Tarsadia Hotels
is first to �design their security� with
new Signature Series electronic-locking
solution
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DALLAS � DECEMBER 1, 2005 � When it comes to
Signature, Tarsadia Hotels Assistant Project Manager Junior Patel is dotting
his i�s and crossing his t�s. The new Signature by VingCard electronic-locking
solution, which was launched last month to the global hospitality industry,
been selected for six Tarsadia Hotels based on its design-centric appearance,
affordable price and its upgradeable technology platform.
�We strongly believe that the new Signature Series
of electronic locks from VingCard will help us to generate new and repeat
business at our hotels, thus enabling us to grow our portfolio,� Patel
said. �The design of hotel door locks has been pretty much overlooked until
now. Everybody offers a standard looking lock. When I saw the Signature
electronic lock, which features minimal door hardware and a beautiful line
of designer door handles, it really stood out. I was very interested in
pursuing it for our properties.�
Tarsadia Hotels (www.tarsadiahotels.com),
located in Orange County, Calif., owns and manages 17 properties in California,
Las Vegas and Colorado. The company started with one hotel in 1976, and
plans to continue to add to its portfolio. The six properties to install
Signature include: two Courtyard by Marriott hotels, a Towne Place Suites,
a Fairfield Inn, a Hampton Inn and a Homewood Suites.
�Standing Out, by Blending In�
Patel said that the Signature lock blends right
in with the hotel�s environment, because all that is visible on the door
is the handle lever and a separate, small, yet attractive card reader.
�Providing the highest level of security at out
hotels is very important to Tarsadia, and finding ways to make the security
elements more transparent to the guest is a win/win for everyone,� Patel
said. �If our hotels look more inviting, and our interior design flows
throughout the hotel, guests will feel more comfortable. It�s a winning
experience for the guest because the lock is simple to use and the environment
is one that they know is safe. It�s a winning solution for us as owners,
because we know that our hotel assets are being protected, and so are our
guests and their valuables.�
Steve Steinowicz, senior project manager for
Veisman Consulting Ltd., construction managers of large residential and
commercial projects, including hotels, agrees with Patel on the value that
Signature�s minimalistic design and visual flexibility brings to the industry.
�Hotel locks tend to be fairly bulky and kind
of ugly,� Steinowicz said. �There is not a lot of nice hardware on the
door. We were looking for a different solution for the hotels we develop,
and Signature offers a nice line of door hardware that�s better looking
than normal. It certainly looks better than many of the existing clunky
looking door locks.�
Patel said he also likes the fact that the Signature
Series of locks are manufactured to be easily upgraded to a wireless configuration,
which will offer hoteliers additional features.
�This is very important because we like to be
involved with technology and provide convenience to our guests,� he said.
�Our customers expect the latest technology at our hotels, and we insist
on providing it.�
Premium Product, Reasonable Price
Patel also hailed VingCard for offering reasonable
prices.
�Unlike some companies that try to charge a premium
price for a new product, VingCard came in at its regular price,� he said.
�We appreciate that because this is a very competitive business. Therefore,
we are giving VingCard our business for Signature.�
Patel said four of the six hotels that will roll
out with Signature are under construction and will open in early 2006.
The other two will open in September.
�Once the product has been installed and used
successfully in our six new hotels, we absolutely want Signature to grow
with our company,� Patel said. �It�s a good-looking product that gives
designers options they didn�t have before.�
Tod Fitzpatrick, president of VingCard Elsafe
North America, said he is thrilled that Tarsadia is the first hotel company
to roll out Signature, because it is a testament to the versatility of
the product.
�You don�t have to be a high-end luxury brand
to look or feel like a high-end luxury brand,� Fitzpatrick said. �That�s
the beauty of Signature. It gives each property the ability to stand out
from its competition by offering something unique � a true differentiator
� like a �signature� should.�
About VingCard Elsafe
 The
world leader in hotel security technology, ASSA ABLOY Hospitality has products
installed in more than 33,000 properties worldwide, securing in excess
of 5.5 million hotel rooms. The ASSA ABLOY Group, a publicly listed company,
is a world leader in security and hospitality systems. VingCard provides
numerous electronic locking system solutions, including traditional magnetic-stripe
and smartcard systems, fully integrated PMS interface software solutions
and worldwide service and support. Elsafe provides the first UL-listed
(1037) hotel safe series on the market today in keypad and card-based models.
Safes that include an internal power outlet to support recharging of laptops
and camcorders also are available with a UL listing. Elsafe customers also
enjoy the same worldwide service and support. The ASSA ABLOY Hospitality
Group is dedicated to the hospitality industry. For more information on
VingCard Elsafe, visit www.vingcard.com
or www.elsafe.com.
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