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 Sædísardóttir 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 convenience 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 offered 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. Securitas Iceland integrated this technology 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 seamless, 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. Protege 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 Hafþór Harðarson, Product Manager at Securitas, Protege GX meets all of the hotel’s needs.

“The flexible, modern technology 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 Sædísardóttir 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 hospitality — 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 technology 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, knowing 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 Hafþór 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.

“Hafþór and the team at Securitas Iceland have provided an easy-to-use custom solution, thanks to ICT’s open technology and integration 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.