Starwood Selects VingCard for Aloft and Element Hotels
Hospitality Security Leader Selected as Preferred Vendor for Top Properties
DALLAS, TX, June 23, 2008. Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.(R) has selected hospitality security leader VingCard(R) as its preferred vendor for the AloftTM and ElementTM hotel brands. This selection allows individual Starwood hotel owners to install product offerings like Signature by VingCard, a two-piece sectional trim electronic lock, with the potential to make easy future security upgrades to Signature RFID by VingCard, a contactless electronic door lock with keyless Near Field Communication (NFC) compatibility. Whether retrofitting existing properties or coordinating installation for new construction, VingCard's locking technologies will provide Starwood hoteliers with unsurpassed security, efficiency and reliability.
"When it comes to securing its world-renowned hotel brands, Starwood wanted a unique solution to provide the ultimate in security, unmatched ease-of-use and the level of design its guests and hoteliers have come to expect," said Marc Freundlich, president and CEO of ASSA ABLOY Hospitality North America. "By choosing VingCard, these top-of-the-line hotel brands can expect to be provided with one of the best locking systems available and the ultimate flexibility to have an easy-upgrade path to new technologies like contactless RFID with NFC cell phone compatibility at their convenience."
One solution preferred by Starwood is Signature by VingCard, a design-centric electronic door lock featuring minimal door hardware and designers' collection door handles. Signature was developed specifically to match any hotel environment while offering the security and reliability the industry has come to expect from VingCard. Its two-piece sectional trim design also offers hotels the possibility to upgrade to Signature RFID by VingCard contactless locks as easily as exchanging the card reader module - without changing the handles, door prep or mortise.
"As we continue to develop new properties, such as our new Aloft and Element brands, we want to ensure each hotel is equipped with the latest in security technology, while maintaining the design elements that define our brands," said Gustaf Burman, senior director of IT property operations for Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. "VingCard's advanced security solutions and innovative technology offerings are a natural fit for our criteria, and we are pleased to give our hoteliers the option to work with this security leader."
The Signature RFID contactless electronic door lock offers highly reliable security features and provides 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. Signature RFID is a secure open-platform system compatible with the three leading RFID ISO standards (ISO 14443A/MiFare, ISO 14443B, ISO 15693), eliminating the guess-work for hoteliers trying to choose the "right" technology standard. The Signature RFID lock also incorporates the new NFC secure transaction platform for cell phones.
Signature RFID locks will be ready to offer remote self check-in to guests with NFC-compatible cell phones, now being introduced to the market. After making a reservation, but prior to arrival at the hotel, guests will receive a booking confirmation number, room number and encrypted room key access code through an encrypted Short Message System (SMS) on their cell phones, allowing them to bypass the check-in line upon arrival and go straight to the room, where their NFC-enabled cell phones will unlock the door.
In addition to offering a more intuitive guest interaction and increased satisfaction, Signature RFID provides increased security to hotels through anti-cloning technology for all guest and staff cards, making it virtually impossible for keycards to be cloned and used.
Additionally, Signature RFID locks offer hoteliers the opportunity to go "green." The energy-efficient locks have fewer batteries than traditional electronic locks, meaning less waste and lower battery replacement costs for the hotelier. Signature RFID's sealed hardware design also means less maintenance because the mechanism does not require cleaning.
Part of the ASSA ABLOY Group, VingCard is world leader in developing locking systems for the hospitality industry, offering user-friendly security systems that meet the unique operational needs of hotels and resorts. For more information, visit www.vingcard.com.
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is a global leading lodging company based in Bethesda,Maryland, USA, with more than 4,200 properties in 80 countries and territories. Marriott International reported revenues of nearly $14 billion in fiscal year 2014. The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 19 brands, including: The Ritz-Carlton®, BVlgari®, EDITION®, JW Marriott®, Autograph Collection® Hotels, Renaissance® Hotels, Marriott Hotels®, Delta Hotels and Resorts®, Marriott Executive Apartments®, Marriott Vacation Club®, Gaylord Hotels®, AC Hotels by Marriott®, Courtyard®, Residence Inn®, SpringHill Suites®, Fairfield Inn & Suites®, TownePlace Suites®, Protea Hotels® and MoxyHotels®. Marriott has been consistently recognized as a top employer and for its superior business ethics. The company also manages the award-winning guest loyalty program, Marriott Rewards® and The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® program, which together surpass 50 million members. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at 
