2 0 ˇ d e t e k t o r i n t e r n a t i o n a l
Akureyri, a hub for adventure
tourism with its vast fjords and
snow-covered mountains, offers
visitors endless opportunities for
exploration. But beyond the town's
natural beauty lies an even greater
innovation: a self-service hotel
experience that blends cutting-edge
technology with the simplicity of
serene surroundings.
Few believed in the idea
When the concept for Hótel
Hálönd was first introduced, many
doubted it could succeed. A hotel
with no staff? Guests left to their
own devices in an unmanned space?
It seemed too futuristic, even for
Iceland's forward-thinking culture.
However, local hotel manager Írena
Sćdísardóttir had a vision, and
with the help of Securitas Iceland,
that vision became a reality. Hótel
Hálönd is now a modern marvel in
hospitality, offering both conveni-
ence and security through smart
technology.
The challenge
For Írena and her team, the goal
was clear: create a hotel that feels
both accessible and secure while
minimizing the need for on-site
staff. They wanted a space where
guests could come and go freely
without the hassle of keys, check-in
counters, or long lines. To achieve
this, they needed a system that of-
fered automatic access code delivery,
remote monitoring, and efficient
notifications for the minimal staff
overseeing the property.
The solution
Enter Protege GX, an advanced
access control system by ICT. Secu-
ritas Iceland integrated this technol-
ogy to revolutionise Hótel Hálönd's
guest experience. With keyless entry
via keypad readers installed at every
door, the traditional hotel check-in
process was replaced with a seam-
less, automated system.
Simplified Access
When a guest books a stay at
Hótel Hálönd, the system's Data
Sync function works with the
hotel's reservation software to
automatically send a personalised
access code. This code arrives 15
minutes after booking and remains
valid for the duration of the stay.
There's no need for keys or cards
-- just a simple PIN grants access
to guest rooms, equipment storage,
and shared areas, such as the ski
and bike storage, all of which are
equipped with a keypad reader
from ICT.
The system notifies when
something needs attention
The system doesn't stop there. Pro-
tege GX also sends mobile or email
notifications to the staff if any issues
arise that need immediate attention.
This allows Írena and her small
team to monitor the hotel remotely,
stepping in only when necessary,
ensuring safety and security without
constant supervision.
Seamless integration
of security
According to Hafţór Harđarson,
Product Manager at Securitas,
Protege GX meets all of the hotel's
needs.
"The flexible, modern technolo-
gy makes it easy to bring self-service
to life for the hotel," he states. "The
seamless integration of security and
convenience is exactly what Hótel
Hálönd needed to offer guests an
experience that is both worry-free
and innovative."
The future of hospitality
Írena Sćdísardóttir is proud of
what her team and partners have
achieved.
"Not many people believed in
our idea of an unmanned hotel, but
Securitas changed that with a smart
technology solution from ICT," she
remarks.
Now, Hótel Hálönd offers a
glimpse into the future of hospital-
ity -- a future where efficiency
and comfort coexist, and where
guests have more control over their
stay.
Substantial costsavings and
enhanced guest experience
With video surveillance adding an
extra layer of security and a fully
automated check-in process that
ensures peace of mind for both
visitors and staff, Hótel Hálönd
stands as a testament to how tech-
nology can simplify and enhance
the guest experience. The result is
a secure, streamlined service that
reduces operational costs while
offering competitive rates. Guests
no longer have to worry about
misplacing room keys or waiting
in line; instead, they enjoy the
freedom of exploring Akureyri's
breathtaking landscapes, know-
ing that their stay is as simple and
stress-free as possible.
Great teamwork
Neil Foster, Sales Director for
Northern Europe at ICT, sees the
innovative solution at Hafţór as a
great example of the value provided
to a customer when the system
integrator clearly understands the
customer's needs and what the
system can achieve.
"Hafţór and the team at
Securitas Iceland have provided an
easy-to-use custom solution, thanks
to ICT's open technology and inte-
gration capabilities," he concludes.
Truly modern escape
With the installation in place, Hótel
Hálönd has proven that serenity
and security can go hand in hand,
creating a truly modern escape in
the heart of Iceland's wilderness.
Nestled at the base of the majestic Hlíđarfjall moun-
tain, overlooking the scenic fjords of Akureyri in
northern Iceland, is a unique getaway known as
Hótel Hálönd, where technology ensures guests are
served in the best possible manner.
Modern access control technology
in the heart of Iceland's wilderness
No need for keys or cards just a simple PIN grants access
to guest rooms, equipment storage, and shared areas.
Hótel Hálönd, offering both
convenience and security
through smart technology.
Special Feature: Access Control & Smart Buildings
Editor: Lennart Alexandrie
Írena Sćdísardóttir
is proud of what her
team and partners
have achieved.
Neil Foster, Sales
Director for Northern
Europe at ICT.