Intercontinental Hotel Group Upgrades Historic Beirut Property with VISIONLINE and Signature RFID by VingCard®

“With its unique mix of history and modern elegance, our property appeals to a diverse collection of experienced travelers and amateur adventurer-seekers,” said Mazen Salha, chief executive officer of Société de des Grands Hotels du Liban, owner of the Phoenicia. “With such a diverse collection of guests comes a diverse selection of needs and an increased demand for security. In order to meet these needs, we chose VISIONLINE and Signature RFID by VingCard, for the highest level of security, efficiency and reliability available today.”

Introduced to the market in 2006, VISIONLINE by VingCard offers a cost-effective solution for properties like the Intercontinental Phoenicia Beirut to facilitate reliable wireless two-way communication from standalone electronic door locks to their host security and PMS systems. Unlike off-line standalone locks, VISIONLINE by VingCard provides total security control from one central location, utilizing RF-online communication capabilities that eliminate the need to travel to each guestroom to perform tasks such as reprogramming individual locks, remotely cancelling guest and staff keycards with one click, or identifying and changing low batteries, as well the need for a guest to return to the front desk to change a room or extend his or her stay. By centralizing these functions, the Intercontinental Phoenicia Beirut can expect to increase the overall productivity of hotel operations and the overall security. Also, VISIONLINE by VingCard components communicate with multiple rooms at once, reducing the number of network components required for installation when compared to other online technologies.

“By upgrading to VISIONLINE, our staff can operate more efficiently, maintaining our property’s classic appeal while modernizing for the new generation,” said Salha. “VISIONLINE’s unique security features like automatic SMS or e-mail maintenance alerts, downloadable audit trails and low battery alerts, allow our staff to spend less time on maintenance and more time on customer service, strengthening our reputation throughout the industry.”

Built on the ZigBee™ Standard ISO 802.15.4 high-security open platform – the only wireless, highly-secured and open standards-based platform to address the unique needs of low power monitoring and access-control network applications – VISIONLINE offers increased reliability and performance at an affordable cost. Operating on a reliable and secure platform like ZigBee also enables smooth interface and integration opportunities for other online devices such as safes, energy management and mini bars.

To complement the VISIONLINE system, the Intercontinental Phoenicia Beirut also chose Signature RFID contactless electronic door locks, which offer highly reliable security features and provide unprecedented convenience and ease-of-operation for hoteliers and hotel guests alike. The Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) locks allow for contactless guest room entry and are compatible with next-generation NFC cell phones. Additionally, by utilizing a sealed exterior, Signature RFID protects components of the electronic locks on exterior doors of the property’s villas and suites against the environment, to maintain the highest level of security.

Additionally, Intercontinental Phoenicia Beirut is fully equipped to provide user-friendly and intuitive guest interaction, including NFC cell phone compatibility, while decreasing the overall workload of the hotel’s management and staff. Signature RFID also provides unmatched adaptability and integration – with various designer handles and presentation options from key cards to wristbands – creating a sense of ease and exclusivity for hoteliers according to Christian Hénon, president of ASSA ABLOY Hospitality Europe/Middle East/Africa.

“Signature RFID was designed to give properties like the Intercontinental Phoenicia Beirut the ability to install top-of-the-line security that blends seamlessly into any hotel environment,” said Hénon. “The system adapts to the unique design elements of the hotel, creating a sense of ease for hoteliers, while maintaining the serene environment that draws guests from around the world to the Intercontinental Phoenicia Beirut.”

Upon completing installation of Signature RFID, the Intercontinental Phoenicia Beirut might choose to offer remote check-in to hotel guests with NFC-compatible cell phones, which would allow guests to skip the check-in line and instead use their NFC-enabled cell phones to unlock the guestroom door. Signature RFID is a secure open-platform system compatible with the three leading RFID ISO standards (ISO 14443A/MiFare, ISO 14443B, ISO 15693) and the new NFC transaction platform for cell phones.

“With the installation of VISIONLINE and Signature RFID, guests will be pleased with the combination of security and design elements as well as the convenience and ease-of-use of the systems,” said Hénon. “And as the security and technology industries continue to adapt, hoteliers will remain confident in the ability of the VISIONLINE and Signature RFID systems to continue to evolve to meet the needs of their guests.”

An informational video highlighting the wireless RF-online system, VISIONLINE by VingCard, can be found online at .

An informational video highlighting the check-in process using Signature RFID/NFC can be found online at .

VingCard Elsafe is the world leader in developing locking systems and electronic in-room safes for the hospitality industry, offering user-friendly security systems that meet the unique operational needs of hotels and resorts. For more information, visit .

About VingCard Elsafe | The world leader in hotel security technology, ASSA ABLOY Hospitality has products installed in more than 39,000 properties worldwide, securing in excess of 6.5 million hotel rooms. The ASSA ABLOY Group, a publicly listed company, is a world leader in security and hospitality systems. VingCard provides numerous electronic locking system solutions, including traditional magnetic-strip, smartcard systems and the latest RFID electronic locks compatible with the main ISO standards: ISO 14.443A (MIFARE), ISO 14.443B, ISO15.693 and NFC-compatible (Near Field Communication), fully integrated PMS interface software solutions, as well as the world leader in wireless online locking solutions for hotels based on ZigBee secured open platform. VingCard has worldwide service and support in more than 166 countries. Elsafe provides the first UL-listed (1037) hotel safe series on the market today in keypad and card-based models. Safes that include a UL-listed internal power outlet to support recharging of laptops and camcorders, full wireless online capabilities and RFID versions compatible with VingCard system. Elsafe customers also enjoy the same worldwide service and support. The ASSA ABLOY Hospitality Group is dedicated to the hospitality industry. For more information on VingCard Elsafe, visit or .

About Intercontinental Phoenicia Beirut | Located on the Cornich boardwalk overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, Intercontinental Phoenicia Beirut is located a short distance from the business and banking districts of downtown Beirut. The 446-room property features a 24-hour fitness facility with personal trainers, a luxurious spa and indoor and outdoor swimming pools. With four restaurants, including Lebanese, French and Asian dining options, a relaxing lounge and bar as well as 13 meeting rooms, the property offers something for every traveler. For more information, visit .