When theWit Hotel opened in downtown Chicago in 2009, it truly was a one-of-a-kind property with technology at its core and a seamless converged network designed to deliver an impeccable guest experience. Today, with average bandwidth consumption tripling due to travelers' reliance on mobile technology and media streaming, theWit has completed an extensive converged network refresh. To plan and execute the upgrade, theWit called upon the expertise of Hospitality Technical Services (HTS).

"Technology has always been a cornerstone of theWit," said Mark Holzberg, HTS CEO. "When it opened, this AAA Four Diamond hotel was one of the first properties to completely integrate its IT infrastructure. As CEO of Lorica Solutions at the time of opening, our team was instrumental in the initial network design at theWit. We crafted and installed a converged network to support multiple applications, from VoIP phones with touch-screen access to a variety of services, such as valet notification, housekeeping requests and roomservice ordering, to automated mini-bars, in-room environmental controls, staff communication via WIFI, networked door locks and guest HSIA.

"Five years later, a lot has changed, and in order to keep up with guest demands and continually raise the bar in exceeding customer expectations, theWit needed to adapt too," he said. "Scott Greenberg, president of ECD Company and creator of theWit, is one of the most tech savvy hotel owners and operators that I know, and I've been very fortunate to have the opportunity to work with him and his team. Scott is very congnizant of emerging trends and is always a step ahead in terms of providing the most innovative guest experiences. This recent upgrade is moving theWit forward by fortifying its infrastructure with a network so robust that it can meet the most aggressive bandwidth demands and handle mobile devices and various applications throughout the property."

As part of the refresh, theWit's Internet connection was upgraded from a 45Mbps T3 Internet circuit to a 100 Mbps circuit. Access points also were improved and expanded throughout the property, replacing older 2.4 GHz AP's that supported 54 Mbps to "dual mode" access points that now support both legacy 2.4 GHz as well as the new 5 GHz radio frequency spectrum that most mobile devices are now utilizing.

"By installing these new dual mode access points, theWit is now providing 300 Mbps of bandwidth per access point; with one access point for every three guestrooms," said Patrick Lewis, HTS director of business development, who was also involved with the opening of theWit while at Lorica five years ago. "In 2009, 54 Mbps per access point was state of the art, but today it's simply not sufficient. HTS worked closely with theWit to initiate a network refresh in the most cost-efficient way possible, utilizing the most appropriate types of equipment offered by the industry's best-of-breed providers, including Cisco for core switching equipment and Ruckus Wireless for the WiFi infrastructure. The HTS gateway provides three tiers of quality bandwidth, accommodating all guest demands, from simple email to the fastest streaming video."

theWit's Greenberg had this to say: "theWit is continually making investments in its network infrastructure and bandwidth to keep ahead of the curve and ensure that our guests remain elated with their overall experience. This network refresh is representative of that investment. As mobility continues to migrate and our guests' demands for bandwidth increase, theWit will continue to deliver on their expectations. With Mark and his team at HTS as our converged network provider, we have complete confidence that theWit will remain a leading hospitality destination for years to come, and a favored hot spot for the most technology-savvy traveler."

For information on converged networks and infrastructure upgrades, give HTS a call today at (859) 689-6958 or email them at [email protected].

About theWit Hotel

Housed in the epicenter of Chicago's Loop and theater business districts, the stately AAA Four Diamond theWit Hotel (201 N. State Street) is favored by trendy Chicagoans and tourists alike. Recognized for its luxurious accommodations, stunning architectural design and award-winning dining and drinking spots, theWit Hotel—a Doubletree by Hilton – is considered a jewel of the Windy City. Guests visiting theWit are given several options to dine including State and Lake Chicago Tavern, ROOF and Phoenix Lounge. More details can be found at www.thewithotel.com or by calling 312.467.0200.

About Hospitality Technical Services

Hospitality Technical Services (HTS) specializes in hotel network design, systems integration, installation and support for guest & visitor based Internet access and converged networks. Built by hoteliers for hoteliers, HTS combines the insights and perspective of a hotel owner and operator with broad technology and management expertise. Services range from complete HSIA & converged network installations and upgrades to taking over guest support with simple non-CAPEX gateway swap-outs. In all cases, HTS provides a cost effective guest HSIA experience that is second-to-none, with resulting GSS to match. HTS maintains its own 24x7x365 Network Operations Center and Help Desk providing around-the-clock guest and staff help desk support; proactive network monitoring; diagnostics; software maintenance; issue remediation and root cause analysis as well as reporting. The HTS portfolio ranges from large, full service hotels and resorts to select service and boutique properties throughout the United States, Canada and the Caribbean. HTS is a fully certified Marriott GPNS provider and works with all major brands.. For more information, call (859) 689-6958 or email at [email protected].

Mark Holzberg (HTS)
Hospitality Technical Services
(859) 795-0493