Bev King, co-owner of Z Hotels in London, knows how to keep his clientele wanting more. Providing “affordable, compact luxury in prime locations,” the hotel chain has expanded to 13 different sites over the past few years. First used for the hotel’s Z City location, a Lutron system was chosen as an alternative to the usual keycard system for lighting control.
The brand was also selected for its wireless control system, which can determine if a guest is in the room. Lutron has been used in every Z Hotel built after the Z City location and its role has expanded with the addition of Palladiom keypads and automated blinds to its myRoom prime solution.
Photos: Earl Smith
The backlit keypad allows guests to control light levels as well as other room settings. “Our main objective was to make the guest experience a bit easier. As a guest you don’t want to fumble around to find light switches,” says Z Hotels Technical Manager Eamon Kelly.
Photos: Earl Smith
Automated blinds equipped with blackout fabric were added to system.
Photos: Earl Smith
The solution helps provide an intuitive experience for guests at the hotels, where automation and controls are an important part of a design philosophy dedicated to stylishness and simplicity.
Photos: Earl Smith
Lutron controls are currently used in seven Z Hotel properties. “We’ve put it in every hotel we built since that first experience with Z City,” says King.
Photos: Earl Smith
The system also aids in hotel operation. “We’re able to control the blinds, dimming for the lighting, and room thermostats,” says Kelly. “It’s been really easy to integrate with the systems we already use, including the HVAC.”
