San Jose Marriott: Technology is key to success in Hospitality operations

Advanced technology provides a competitive edge in the hospitality market. Hotel patrons demand fast and seamless connectivity as well as other high tech amenities. Guests expect the same business-class network access they have at their offices throughout their hotel. Technology is now a strategic selling point for attracting conventions and sophisticated business travelers to a property.

The 506-room San Jose Marriott was built to meet the growing demands for lodging and meeting space, and to attract larger business conferences to downtown San Jose. Until the Marriott was added, downtown had not seen a new hotel in ten years.

Any technology plan implemented at the Marriott had to work in parallel with two other facilities. The Marriott was built to connect to the existing 425,000 sq. ft. McEnery Convention Center. This, in turn, connects to a Hilton. Together, the three facilities now create a powerhouse poised to compete for large-scale convention business.

The client, Walton San Jose Investors III, L.L.C. and architect Hornberger and Worstell, Inc. of San Francisco, recognized the strategic implications of technology and the value of incorporating technology into the design. NIC was retained as a member of the design team to develop an integrated technology system, including structured cabling, audio, video, PBX and wireless systems.Comprehensive planning and budgeting for all elements of the project were part of the contract.Upon completion of phase one, NIC then worked with Hensel Phelps Construction Co., thedesign/build contractor, as the technical project manager on the installation.

This is the third Marriott NIC has been involved with. Each project has provided Marriott witha Total Solution for a complex technology program.
 

Technology has become an active component of the character of a building. Buildings have transitioned from static structures to interactive hubs of technology. Technology adds value, and in the case of the San Jose Marriott, generates revenue.

NIC approaches each project from a broad perspective to develop a Total Solution and seeks to understand each client’s short and long-term business goals. Infrastructures are developed to specifically support these objectives. A Total Solution encompasses planning and budgeting for all elements of an IT architecture, as well as program costs, maintenance, employee training, and projected expansion plans. phase one, design and space planning

The client, architect and NIC spent six months planning the project. NIC provided design and space planning services for the following:

• Security surveillance system – door contacts, motion detectors and Watch Command
• Security surveillance system
  
• Security surveillance room
  
• Data, voice, video, security, sound, and cabling systems
  
• Audio system – background music, ballroom and sound reinforcement
  
• Main computer room
  
• Main television room
  
• Audio video room
  
• Cable television switch room for pay-per-view
  
• PBX telephone system – all guest and administrative phones
  
• Wireless access points for guest Internet connectivity in common areas
  
• High-speed Internet access to guest rooms
  
• Point-of-sale system
  
• Two-way radio communications for hotel operations
  
• On-Command media retrieval systems

Operational concepts were established. This entails understanding and creating patterns that depict how a building will function. It also details how people will interact, use and flow through different spaces.

NIC established continuous wireless connectivity throughout the San Jose Marriott. Guests can access their laptops, cell phones, and other hand-held devices throughout the hotel. Small cells are strategically placed approximately every 300 feet apart. Information is passed through the airwaves by jumping from cell to cell.

NIC is a single source provider for all elements of a complex technology program. The ability to provide a total solution and handle everything in house––design, project management, network installations, and support––saved the client time and money.

Having one firm manage the technology program added control over the design and construction process, reduced confusion, duplications, and change orders. It also allowed the other entities on the project the ability to concentrate on their jobs and the intricate details related to opening a new resort.

The San Jose Marriott has become a leading contender for large business conferences and has helped to revitalize downtown San Jose. This is the third Marriott contract NIC has been awarded.

All of the projects were delivered on time and within budget.

Network Infrastructure Corporation is a single source provider for all elements of a complex technology infrastructure program. Consulting offered through NIC’s Professional Services Group includes technology master planning, design and space planning, technical site assessment,and bid management. Infrastructure services include data, voice, video, security, wireless, sound reinforcement, paging, web services, building systems control, and structured cabling. Supportservices include training, maintenance, network administration, and warranty service.