Kaba in pole position with Snoozebox

Snoozebox is a new and exciting innovation in transportable, temporary hotel accommodation and will be providing portable hotels at the Olympics, the British Grand Prix and the Goodwood Festival of Speed.

Offering flexible configurations from 40 to 400 rooms, Snoozebox can be fully operational and ready to welcome guests within 48 hours of arriving at almost any event or location around the world.

Kaba was asked to provide a suitable locking solution for the guest room doors and after detailed discussions recommended the contactless Ilco E790 electronic lock.

• Lock works on RFID (radio frequency identification) waves
• Simple installation and with no card reader to maintain and clean
• Audit trail of the last 400 transactions
• Standard mechanical key override
• All electronics and batteries are located in the front lock housing - no need to disturb guests for maintenance checks
• Software upgrades can be implemented on site, eliminating delays

The Ilco series sets the standard for premium hotel locks and is one of the access control systems that’s established Kaba as a leading provider within the hospitality industry with sustained success.

Snoozebox originally trialled 40 locks last year and now have installed just under 300 with a further 400 on order.

Snoozebox was founded by the veteran hospitality entrepreneur Robert Breare. Mr Breare developed the Snoozebox concept after a bad experience while attending the 24 Hours race at Le Mans.

“I was on a campsite at 3am when I needed to go to the loo,” he said. “I faced a 20-minute walk, then a 20-minute queue for filthy loos and thought “There’s got to be a better way”.

Each Snoozebox has its own power and water without the need for hard standing. The containers can be stacked up to five high and each bedroom has an ensuite bathroom, air-conditioning, television and free wi-fi.

A lower-spec version also been developed for use on construction projects or by local government and the military. The first 40-room hotel made its debut at last year’s British Grand Prix, a deal brokered by David Coulthard. The former McLaren Mercedes driver has been named president of Snoozebox and will advise the company as it seeks to expand its relationship with the Grand Prix circuit. He said, “The concept of a “Turnkey” hotel, delivered to an event and fully operational in 48 hours just clicked with me immediately. For spectators, staff and teams it works on every level at every event”.

Snoozebox recently housed over 600 performers from around the world for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Pageant. The spectacular event took place in the private grounds of Windsor Castle and was designed to reflect the close relationship between the Queen and the armed forces. More than 2,500 servicemen and women marched past the Queen in Windsor Castle before mustering in an arena.

Snoozebox is currently providing “on-site” accommodation at the Isle of Man TT Race. Located within the TT village next to the main Grandstand in Douglas the Isle of Man Snoozebox has 240 rooms right at the heart of the TT festival action.

Snoozebox have recently been granted building permission to erect a large temporary “Olympic Village” hotel to accommodate staff in Hainault Forest Country Park, Essex.