Video Surveillance a Star Attraction at Hollywood Hotel

Based in the epicenter of a thriving Los Angeles tourist attraction, the Sunset Plaza Hotel employs a robust video surveillance solution to secure a lively location with round-the-clock activity.

Introduction

Los Angeles’ Sunset Strip is known worldwide for being the home of some of Hollywood’s most famous entertainment venues. The nightclub Whisky A Go-Go once hosted Led Zeppelin and The Doors; the Comedy Store has showcased a diverse array of comics from Johnny Carson to Chris Rock. The Sunset Strip is renowned for its energetic nightlife – a place where the young and hopeful have been flocking to see and be seen for nearly a century.

Just down the boulevard from the Chateau Marmont lies a hotel that is lesser known than its legendary neighbor but just as focused on providing a classic and comfortable Hollywood experience for its guests. The Sunset Plaza Hotel, part of the Best Western Plus family of hotels, is located amidst the hustle and bustle of the Strip but offers a quaint European style reminiscent of an Italian villa. Some of the amenities it provides to its guests are less noticeable than the cozy suites and the heated swimming pool: the hotel is committed to using cutting edge video surveillance to the benefit of their guests and employees.

Requirement: High-Performing IP Surveillance That’s Easy to Use

When planning to upgrade their video surveillance system from analog to IP, the Sunset Plaza Hotel needed something that allowed for a lot of coverage in various environments around the premises, cameras that could supply high-quality images, and an interface that was easy for employees to learn.

“We wanted something that we could use from an operational standpoint and from a safety standpoint,” explained Brenda Elias, operations manager for the Sunset Plaza.

Constantin Paul Bunea, the founder and CEO of Darkcad Tec, had been serving as systems integrator for the hotel for ten years. He knew it was time for the hotel to upgrade from analog to IP, and he knew that Hikvision was the brand that would meet their needs.

“I selected Hikvision cameras because the quality is very high, third party integration is easy, and the company provides excellent technical support.” Mr. Bunea stated.

Solution: Comprehensive Coverage, Comprehensive Benefits

Darkcad Tec installed over twenty 3 MP cameras from Hikvision throughout the hotel, covering interiors such as hallways, conference rooms, and meeting rooms, and exterior locations as well. The DS-2CD2232-I5 bullet offers digital WDR and a weatherproof rating of IP66, ideal for the outdoor swimming pool. The DS-2CD2332-I turret, with Hikvision’s patented EXIR infrared technology, is being used in the parking garage, with image quality clear enough to make out license plates. A 3 MP fisheye camera, the DS-2CD6332FWD-I, allows for broad coverage near the main entrance. The DS-2CD2132F-I dome provides HD real-time video and has a vandal resistant rating of IK10, perfect for identifying visitors at hotel entrances. The hotel also plans to use the substream of these cameras for future access control integration.

Two DS-9632NI-I8 recorders round out the solution, providing an intuitive, user-friendly interface that makes footage easily retrievable.

“In some instances, we needed to address customer concerns by reviewing surveillance footage, so footage that was easy to retrieve was essential,” commented Ms. Elias.

Results: Superior Image Quality and Improved Efficiency

Whether retrieving recorded footage or viewing what’s happening in real time, the surveillance system is boosting the efficiency of the Sunset Plaza team from an operational standpoint. In situations where live viewing is crucial, the cameras allow the hotel staff to easily keep tabs on the entire premises. Cameras positioned at building entrances give the staff more control over who comes and goes. The new surveillance cameras also offer a significant improvement in image quality compared to what was in use before. Staff communicating with each other about what they see on camera can now describe in detail what people are wearing, helping them assist their guests.

“Before we weren’t able to clearly see what was happening,” Ms. Elias noted, “but now the images are very good at night and during the day.”

Looking to the Future

Future additions to the video surveillance system at the Sunset Plaza will assist the hotel with public relations.

“We intend to use Value Series PTZ cameras mounted to the exterior of the building to display live feeds of Sunset Boulevard on the hotel website,” remarked Mr. Bunea.

The superior image quality from Hikvision cameras would give potential visitors a feel for the energy and excitement of the Sunset Strip, helping clinch their decision to book a room at the Sunset Plaza.

Conclusion

The diversity of settings within the hotel and need for a wide area of coverage called for a high-performing group of cameras at an affordable price, but the hotel’s analog system wasn’t up to par. Hikvision cameras not only boast excellent image quality, but have also given the hotel staff the eyes they need to survey the hotel grounds 24 hours a day. Hikvision DVRs make it easy to review footage as needed. The user-friendly cameras and recorders are easily networked with other devices, allowing for future upgrades to access control.

The Sunset Plaza’s new video surveillance system helps ensure the safety of hotel guests and employees, contributing to a fabulous experience on the famous Sunset Strip.

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Video Surveillance a Star Attraction at Hollywood Hotel

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