A part of my consulting practice revolves around technology for large homes and estates. In this, I have designed systems to communicate voice, video and data throughout a large home or multi home complex. Video surveillance has been part of this communication to provide part of an overall security solution to the residents.

A colleague I work with on a couple of these projects designs physical security including safe cores or safe rooms for the residents. We have had many discussions about using his expertise in designing a safer hotel. In all my discussions with hotel developers and brands, this has peaked interest but never been able to gain traction. With the recent events at the Taj Hotel in India, I believe there is a need for safer hotels using both technology and physical hardening of the structure and rooms within. Greater access control using biometrics and other current technology may not fully prevent tragedies but certainly would be a step towards providing safer accomodations to guests.

 This is one subject that I would like the thoughts of others. Please email me or respond with a comment below.

Added 08.17.2009  See new article http://www.hotelsmag.com/article/CA6676834.html