DALLAS – March 2, 2012 – VingCard Elsafe, the global leader in hospitality security and part of the ASSA ABLOY Group, announces that the iconic Grande Colonial Hotel in La Jolla, California, has completed a property-wide upgrade to VingCard Elsafe’s Classic RFID locking system. The installation, which replaced older magnetic-stripe locks in all 93 guestrooms, continues the luxury resort’s decade-long association with VingCard Elsafe.

VingCard Elsafe’s suite of RFID locking systems feature contactless access control via Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) encoded communication and secure anti-cloning software. Recent advancements to VingCard Elsafe’s RFID technology have enabled RFID locks to read keycards from more than twice as far as before. Additionally, VingCard Elsafe RFID locks are designed to be easily adapted to Near Field Communication (NFC)—technology that is expected to be in widespread use globally within a few years and which will enable travelers to use mobile devices as room keys.

With so many luxury hotels expected to make the switch to RFID locks in the coming months, the move was necessary to ensure that Grande Colonial stays ahead of the technological curve, says General Manager Terrence Underwood. Sticking with VingCard Elsafe was an easy decision, he says, particularly since the Classic RFID locks are stylishly designed to easily retrofit doors that previously housed VingCard Elsafe mag-stripe locks. “The retrofitting process was a snap—each lock took only a few minutes to replace,” Underwood says.

The upgrade to RFID locks comes with a bonus perk for the seaside resort. Due to Grande Colonial’s proximity to the Pacific Ocean, the salty air tends to wreak havoc on mechanical parts, including the old mag-stripe readers. Because RFID is contactless, and the lock’s mechanics are completely encased, the time and effort the resort spends dealing with lock maintenance will drop dramatically.

“We’ve been using VingCard locks for about 10 years now, and we’re extremely satisfied with VingCard’s reliability, consistency and high service level,” Underwood says. “We’re happy to be continuing what has been a very fruitful relationship.”

In addition to the RFID locking system, Grande Colonial also deployed VingCard Elsafe’s line of SENTINEL II safes in all guestrooms. State-of-the-art SENTINEL II by Elsafe UL-listed safes employ the latest locking technology, including anti-tamper labyrinths and solid-steel hinges, placing it on par with the most secure in-room safes in the world. With its industry-leading audit trail, spring-loaded door and Flash-RAM memory, the safe is perfect for protecting guests’ valuables, and the attractive, adaptable design makes it ideal for any hotel environment.

The world leader in hotel security technology, ASSA ABLOY Hospitality has products installed in more than 42,000 properties worldwide, securing in excess of 7 million hotel rooms and is part of the ASSA ABLOY Group, a publicly listed company. VingCard provides numerous electronic locking system solutions, including traditional magnetic-stripe, smartcard systems and the latest RFID electronic locks compatible with the main ISO standards: ISO 14.443A (MIFARE), ISO 14.443B, ISO15.693 and NFC-compatible (Near Field Communication), fully integrated PMS interface software solutions, as well as the world leader in wireless online locking solutions for hotels based on ZigBee secured open platform. VingCard has worldwide service and support in more than 166 countries. Elsafe provides the only UL-listed (1037) hotel safe series on the market today in keypad and card-based models. Elsafe Safes include a UL-listed internal power outlet to support recharging of laptops and camcorders, full wireless online capabilities and RFID versions compatible with VingCard system. Elsafe customers also enjoy the same worldwide service and support. Orion by VingCard Elsafe is the new Energy Management Solution that reduces energy consumption, ensures guest comfort and contributes to improve hotels green initiatives. The ASSA ABLOY Hospitality Group is dedicated to the hospitality industry. For more information on VingCard Elsafe, visit www.vingcardelsafe.com  
 
About Grande Colonial Hotel
Ideally situated in the beachfront village of La Jolla, California, the Grande Colonial Hotel is a 2012 AAA Four Diamond Award winner and a historic beauty that honors its traditions yet offers contemporary amenities and services beyond other La Jolla hotels near San Diego. Built in 1913 as the Colonial Apartment and Hotel, the Grande Colonial was a trailblazer in its day. Its original white wood-framed building was the first lodging facility in downtown La Jolla and saw today's tourist town grow around it. The hotel is footsteps away from lovely beaches, including Blacks Beach, La Jolla Cove, La Jolla Shores, and Windansea Beach, and is the preferred choice of boutique hotels near San Diego attractions such as Torrey Pines Golf Course and State Park. The Grande Colonial hotel has played an integral role in the La Jolla beach community for nearly a century. For more information, visit www.thegrandecolonial.com.