| December 7, 2004 - Across
the landscape of America�s historic hotels, the signature turret of the
Hotel del Coronado stands tall. For more than a century, The Del has hosted
presidents, foreign dignitaries and Hollywood�s elite including Marilyn
Monroe, Clark Gable and Frank Sinatra.
After evaluating in-room entertainment and HSIA providers, Hotel del Coronado chose LodgeNet Entertainment Corporation to provide them with a digital interactive TV system along with wired and wireless HSIA throughout the property. �We wanted an industry leader that could deliver innovative guest services using the latest technology,� explains Shallan. Flexible HSIA Solution Overcomes Architectural Barriers The HSIA installation presented a unique challenge in that the original section of The Del is built with redwood, while a newer tower is reinforced concrete. �Wireless works fine with wood framing, but not so well with concrete,� explains Shallan. �LodgeNet installed wireless HSIA where the wood framing would accommodate it, and complemented that in the tower rooms with wired connections through the existing phone lines. So now The Del has an elegant, creative solution that meets the needs of every HSIA user, no matter where they are in the structure.� Single-Source Approach Delivers Initial And Everyday Operational Benefits The Hotel del Coronado reaped the benefits of a single-source provider from the beginning. �LodgeNet installed the interactive TV and HSIA systems at the same time, without compromising the historic integrity of the property or inconveniencing the guests,� says Shallan, who noted that the 688-room property was running at 92 percent occupancy during the installation. �We really appreciated having a single point of contact during the installation, and now we get preventive maintenance in one visit. We�ve also been able to streamline our accounting and guest service since we can administer both systems through the same terminal.� Guest Room Technology Good For The Bottom Line LodgeNet�s interactive TV and HSIA solutions have paid off for the Hotel del Coronado. �Our take rate for guest room HSIA is above 20 percent � higher than the national average � and speeds are excellent, even with high usage. On the TV side, our in-room revenues jumped 22 percent per occupied room during our first month with the LodgeNet system.� Shallan adds that the Nintendo GameCubeTM video games have also been well received at a property that draws up to 60 percent of its guests from the leisure market. Shallan is excited about the SIGNETURE TVSM initiative LodgeNet is also in the process of providing. �Once we�ve established a distinctive presence for The Del on the guest room TV, we can carry that over to the guest�s laptop � so both touch-points will reflect the hotel�s identity and provide a more integrated user experience.� Partnership of Strengths = Wins All Around �We were pleased with the work LodgeNet did at The Del and with their support throughout the project,� says Shallan. �LodgeNet put a great team of technicians on site and had the TV and HSIA systems fully operational two months after we signed the agreement. They even set up a link between our PBX and their 24-hour helpline, so our guests could receive technical assistance.� By entrusting the TV and HSIA needs of the Hotel del Coronado to one proven provider, the hotel is offering its guests the best of the past and the present. About The Hotel del Coronado
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In
recognition of its romantic history and world-class beauty, the Hotel del
Coronado was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1977. But the hotel�s
management realized that nostalgic charm could only go so far when competing
for today�s guests. �Operating an historic hotel is exciting; but it�s
not without challenges, particularly when you�re dealing with a 116-year
old infrastructure,� says Todd Shallan, Vice President and Managing Director.
Shallan explains that until this past August, The Del had a tape-based
movie system and no high-speed Internet access (HSIA) in its guest rooms.
�We realized the importance of this technology for our corporate groups,
which make up about 40 percent of our business.�
