Case Study: Residence Inn by Marriott, Pittsburgh North Shore
Kratsa Properties awarded ITG Networks a multiple product contract to install and support Kratsa's technology solution for the new Residence Inn by Marriott, a 148,500 square foot, extended stay hotel offers luxury suites on Pittsburgh's North Shore, within walking distance to Heinz Field, PNC Park and a variety of bars and restaurants. Adjacent to PNC Park's home plate entrance, on the corner of West General Robinson Street and Mazeroski Way, this 10-story hotel will provide an array of the latest digital amenities.
"When we began designing this property, we knew we needed to invest in a technology solution that would enable us to maximize the guest experience without requiring us to change the technology every couple years," said David Cocco, Vice-President of Hotel Operations for Kratsa Properties. "Kratsa Properties required a solution that would bring our hotel to the next level of customer service while increasing staff productivity and ROI. We chose ITG Networks because we have partnered with them on several previous projects and they have proven that they deliver on this capability and the implementation has been seamless," he adds.
The Technology
When the hotel opened its doors on April 5th guests had mobility with a business-class, wireless, high-speed Internet access (HSIA) solution throughout the property. This solution provides secure, plug n' play access. Wireless is available throughout 180 suite-style rooms and all common areas. Wired Ethernet is also available in all guest rooms. Each desk is equipped with a convenient pull-through desk hub and 10' Ethernet cable. For added convenience, the hotel lobby offers a large social laptop table with twelve built-in Ethernet and power outlets.
A VOIP capable, Mitel SX200 ICP hospitality phone solution provides communication to both guestroom and administrative operations. Each of the 180 guest rooms is equipped with the Telematrix 9600 Series Cordless Telephone and matching 3300 Series 5-button speakerphones.
The ITG Networks team integrated the Mitel Phone System with the property management system, an integration that improves staff efficiency and guest satisfaction. Guests need not rely on hotel staff to perform routine tasks such as set wake-up calls, and the front desk staff knows immediately when rooms are available for guests. The Mitel system integrated with the vestibule and security gate allowing the staff to communicate and open the gate from any administrative phone, reducing the need for additional 3-way intercom solution.
The Results
With a complete understanding of the Marriott requirements ITG was able to engineer the overall network to use common networking gear for both Voice and Data. Kratsa Properties now has a system that will both cost less to operate and offer the features and functionality the company requires to meet its customer service goals.
"We are excited about expanding our relationship with Kratsa Properties" says John Spirnak - Principal Partner and VP of Sales for ITG Networks. "Having partnered with Kratsa Properties for more than 4 years, we realize that we share a common goal - to provide the highest level of service to our customers," he adds.