In five-star hospitality, luxury is not simply a feature—it’s a guiding principle that shapes every aspect of the guest experience, from fine dining and spa treatments to the exquisitely appointed details of suites.
High-end hotels distinguish themselves by creating environments where elegance, comfort and functionality blend seamlessly. From the moment guests step into the lobby, they are immersed in a world where design, service and spatial harmony are carefully orchestrated to exceed expectations and deliver refined indulgence.
Even the most functional elements are elevated to match this standard of sophistication. Specifically, in-room technology is discreetly integrated to provide modern convenience without disrupting the room’s visual appeal. A secret ingredient in preserving the design intent of the room, targeted at affluent guests, is to conceal the TV until use with custom motorized concealment systems. These systems are gaining traction for their ability to maintain interior aesthetics as well as provide the ever-important “wow” factor desired by guests.
Most installations occur in high-end rooms or suites, such as penthouses. “AV concealment systems eliminate the unsightly black rectangles that disrupt well-appointed spaces by making TVs disappear when not in use. This is essential when a TV’s positioning obstructs or distracts from ‘million-dollar’ views of outdoor landscapes such as a city skyline, beach or lake,” says Art Walker, CEO of Valencia, CA-based Auton Motorized Systems, a company specializing in custom AV concealment systems.
An array of options
One option is a TV lift cabinet, which is typically placed at the foot of the bed or slightly beyond it to act as a subtle room divider. “The TV rises from the cabinet and can swivel to face either the bed or a seating area. This offers flexible viewing while keeping the space clean and uncluttered when the TV is hidden,” says Walker.
An under-the-bed lift is often selected for rooms where the guests prefer an unobstructed view. These mounts hide the TV screen beneath the bed, keeping it completely out of sight when unused. With a motorized lift, the TV smoothly rises from under the bed and can be swiveled to the guest’s preferred position by remote as desired.
Another option is hiding the television behind a painting or a mirror in the suite. In this case, a “shadow box” or similar enclosure is mounted against the wall. At the guest’s command, by pushbutton or remote, a motorized system slides the painting or mirror laterally to reveal the TV.
In these hotel projects, the OEM (original equipment manufacturer) typically provides the lift mechanism while the property’s architectural or millwork team supplies and builds the furniture, cabinetry or surrounding structures.
The use of motorized concealment systems in hotels optimizes space by keeping rooms uncluttered and maximizing the usability of each area. Guests enjoy a more luxurious and high-tech experience, contributing to improved satisfaction and brand loyalty.
For hotel owners, motorized concealment systems add both value and prestige to their property. Customizable and scalable, these solutions can be adapted to various hospitality settings, from VIP suites to conference rooms, ensuring a refined and welcoming luxurious environment. Even a subtle solution like this could set your hotel apart and create lasting impressions on guests.
Story contributed by Del Williams, a technical writer based in Torrance, Calif.
