Hotel Security Systems: An Overview

Amidst everything else that goes into running a hospitality business, ensuring the safety of your guests as well as your staff and property is paramount. Hiring security personnel to monitor your building is not enough, especially if the hotel is spread over a large area. Even under the watchful eye of security guards and other staff members, it’s nearly impossible to monitor every area at once.

This is where a hotel security system with video surveillance comes in. A security system comprised of indoor and outdoor cameras, motion detectors, and interconnected alarms can protect your business interests while allowing your guests to feel safe and secure while on your property.

But with all the choices on the market, it can be hard to decide which one is best for your property. Where to start? Check out our guide below to help narrow down your search.

What Is a Hotel Security System?

The security measures taken by hotels typically include a number of systems processes, and dedicated personnel designed to reduce the risk of theft, vandalism, fire, and other safety and security threats. Security systems, from security cameras to smoke detectors, play an important role in these measures.

A hotel security system is a network of devices and protocols used to maintain the safety and security of a hotel property and its guests and staff. Such a system usually includes a combination of:

• • Surveillance cameras
  • Alarms
  • Sensors (such as motion detectors, door and window sensors, and heat and smoke detectors)
  • Monitoring services

Security cameras are often strategically placed in the following areas of a hotel property:

• • Delivery entrances
  • Parking lots
  • Lobbies
  • Outdoor corridors
  • Kitchens
  • Bar areas
  • Restaurants
  • Meeting areas
  • Gyms
  • Pools
  • Stockrooms
  • Hallways

Some hotels may also incorporate advanced technologies such as biometric authentication, smart locks, remote monitoring, and AI functionalities such as AI algorithm–powered threat detection, facial recognition, and predictive analytics.

Benefits of a Hotel Security System

Peace of Mind for Guests and Employees

Visible video surveillance in public areas, such as hallways and the parking lot, gives guests and staff peace of mind while also deterring would-be criminals. It lets them know that you value their security, which goes a long way in enhancing guest and employee experiences. Not to mention, surveillance systems allow hotels to keep an eye on employees to make sure they’re providing quality service at all times.

Catch Security Threats and Criminals

Strategically placed cameras — whether Internet Protocol (IP) or Analog (like CCTV) — are instrumental for preventing crime by recording footage inside your hotel building as well as around the premises. Today’s high-quality cameras are able to record 24/7. Plus, many come with built-in motion detection sensors, which can activate the entire security system at the slightest movement.

It’s a well-known “secret” that the hotel industry is extremely susceptible to criminal activity. One of the many factors that influence travelers’ decisions when choosing a hotel is safety in and around the property. High-quality surveillance cameras can reduce this risk to a significant degree.

Avoid or Settle Lawsuits Before They’re Even Filed

Footage from surveillance cameras can act as critical evidence in legal situations. For example, in incidents involving employee or guest violence on premises, witnesses may have multiple accounts. But video evidence will help disprove false claims and substantiate the truth.

Keep in mind that footage from HD security cameras is a complex matter when it comes to the law, especially when surveilling employees. Make sure to balance business interests with employees’ expectations of privacy.

Reduce Insurance Payments

Since a surveillance system with indoor cameras and outdoor cameras reduces the risk of burglary, some insurance companies may offer a discount on their premiums. Make sure to double-check with your provider to see if they offer a discount, and if so, which system features are required.

Features to Look For in a Hotel Security System

Types of CCTV Hotel Security Systems

While guest safety is of paramount importance in a hotel, it need not come at the cost of the guest experience. This is where video surveillance comes in.

Security cameras are undoubtedly far less intrusive than hiring well-equipped security guards. Guests do not get distracted or feel concerned when security cameras are quietly doing the job to assist in their protection. Moreover, surveillance systems are significantly more cost-effective than hiring an elaborate security team.

CCTV (Closed-Circuit Television) cameras are the most popular type of video surveillance system. A CCTV is a type of video surveillance camera used for security and monitoring. There is a wide range of IC (Internet Connectivity) Realtime CCTV cameras on the market, with varying features and functions. Here are a few:

• Bullet CCTV cameras

Identified by their long, cylindrical shape, bullet cameras are the most commonly found cameras in business establishments. If you want to record quality pictures and videos, and also send out a clear message to passersby that your hotel premises are under surveillance, bullet cameras are an excellent option.

• Dome CCTV cameras

These cameras get their name from the dome-shaped casing they sit inside. This dome structure is resistant to touch and tampering so vandals can’t interfere with the camera easily. They also have an unobtrusive design, which means they are easy to fit almost everywhere.

One of the biggest advantages of dome CCTV design is that passersby can’t determine which direction the camera is facing. Some models are equipped with a speed feature that allows you to move the camera and zoom in, tilt, or pan around. Ideal for both outdoor and indoor use, these cameras can be placed in a strategic location on the ceiling to cover all angles of any area.

• Turret cameras

If you’re looking for a reliable and affordable camera surveillance system, turret cameras are an excellent option. Thanks to their flexible design, they can be installed in a variety of locations — either indoors or outdoors. And because they’re so compact, they’re less likely to attract attention than larger camera types. These cameras transmit images to a viewing device or recorder, making them ideal for security purposes.

Hotel Security Technology Features

• Network/IP CCTV cameras

Internet Protocol (IP) or network CCTV cameras share live footage across the internet so you can easily access the recording from anywhere. To make the online feed reliable, the bandwidth of the video is compressed. Archive recording is stored on secure software or network video recorders (NVRs) for later access.

If you’re often away from the hotel property, an IP CCTV camera will allow you to still keep an eye on everything from your smartphone or laptop.

• High-definition advanced video system CCTV cameras

If you want stronger surveillance for your hotel, high definition allows you to zoom in on details and capture crystal-clear pictures, which is why these cameras are commonly used in banks and casinos. Depending on your budget, you can choose models delivering resolutions from 1080p to 12mp. You will never have to worry about distorted or grainy recording in case you need the footage for a legal situation or criminal investigation.

• Fire detection

Cameras with fire detection monitor specified areas for signs of fire in real time. If a fire is detected based on the video footage, an alarm image will be sent to an administrator. They will then be able to confirm if this is a real emergency and, if so, take action right away.

• Perimeter protection

Perimeter protection gives an extra layer of security around the perimeter of a hotel. One of the most important aspects of perimeter security is having reliable cameras that can operate under all conditions. This includes being able to see clearly at night and in bad weather, as well as overcoming any visual obstructions.

• Intrusion detection sensors

Intrusion detection — for example, window and door or broken glass sensors — monitors hotels for unauthorized entry or suspicious activities and triggers alarms or alerts to notify the proper hotel staff. This allows for real-time response to security threats.

• Integration with centralized monitoring platforms

The ability to integrate hotel security systems with centralized monitoring platforms makes it easy for hoteliers to streamline surveillance operations and efficiently manage security across multiple facilities or even properties. This typically involves real-time monitoring, remote access to surveillance footage, and centralized control over security devices.

Industry-Leading Hotel Security Technology

Camera surveillance systems offer numerous benefits over traditional security measures, along with opportunities to improve the effectiveness of your operations and even save money in the long run.

At Hotel Internet Services, we have over two decades of experience in helping the hospitality industry across North America with their security needs. Specialists in customized security solutions, our expert professionals can come to your property and help you choose a complete security system to meet your hotel’s exact needs. Learn more about our hotel security cameras and surveillance systems.