HDG Legacy is a values-led hotel developer and management company known for building and operating high-performing properties across Florida. With nine hotels currently under management and a tenth opening in mid-2025, the company takes pride in operational excellence, sustainable practices, and a forward-thinking approach to technology.
The Challenge
With rising energy and water costs putting pressure on already narrow margins, HDG Legacy needed a solution to control expenses while maintaining high standards of guest comfort and operational efficiency. The company also wanted to empower staff with tools that were easy to implement and use—without adding complexity to daily routines.
“Operating a business that respects the environment in terms of how resources are utilized is important just because that’s the right thing to do—but there’s also an economic benefit,” said Navroz F. Saju, Founder and Principal of HDG Legacy.
The Solution
In 2024, HDG Legacy partnered with Anacove, selecting its suite of AI- and cloud-powered solutions to enhance property performance:
Smart Thermostats
These advanced IoT devices use sensors to continuously monitor temperature, humidity, air quality, barometric pressure, and occupancy—even detecting if guests or pets remain in the room while the space appears empty. The thermostats adapt to each room’s thermal behavior and optimize HVAC usage accordingly, reducing energy waste and maintaining guest comfort.
Deployed first at express properties and later piloted at a full-service hotel, the thermostats integrate seamlessly with hotel WiFi and HVAC systems, requiring no major infrastructure upgrades. Legacy’s own maintenance teams installed them, thanks to the system’s intuitive design.
“They are easier to operate—and install—than others on the market, and are incredibly responsive,” said Saju. “Our general managers love them.”
Water Leak Detection
Anacove’s AI-powered sensors detect even the smallest leaks in toilets or pipes, sending real-time alerts to maintenance staff. This prevents damage, reduces repair costs, and avoids guest disruption—all while conserving water.
Asset Management System
Movable hotel assets such as luggage carts, rollaway beds, and cribs are equipped with smart location tags. The Anacove cloud dashboard shows exactly where items are located at any given time, eliminating guesswork and unnecessary delays.
“The front desk team can now instantly locate a luggage cart, rather than calling around to guest rooms. It saves time and keeps everyone more focused,” said Saju.
The Results
Significant Energy Savings
With Anacove Smart Thermostats in place, Legacy quickly saw measurable reductions in utility costs across multiple properties:
- Holiday Inn Express Crystal River: 35.94% lower electricity costs per occupied room
- Holiday Inn Express Silver Springs-Ocala: 33% under budget
- Holiday Inn Express Inverness-Lecanto: 43% under budget
“They advertised $12 savings per room per month, which is significant—but we’re exceeding that,” Saju said.
Operational Improvements
- Maintenance staff self-installed devices, reducing rollout costs
- AI-enabled dashboards give property managers actionable insights
- Asset tracking eliminated staff downtime spent locating equipment
- One centralized platform offers a complete view of resource usage
Exceptional Support & ROI
Anacove’s support team proved to be a reliable partner throughout the implementation and beyond, providing fast, expert help when needed. Their pricing structure and transparency were added benefits.
“Their support has been excellent, and their pricing is among the most competitive I’ve found,” Saju said. “They’re customer-centric and incredibly easy to work with.”
Looking Ahead
Encouraged by the results, HDG Legacy is expanding its use of Anacove’s technology across all current properties and plans to implement it at its upcoming hotel opening. For Saju, the decision is about more than just technology—it’s about smart business, satisfied staff, and sustainable growth.
“I’m a huge fan of Anacove and the team there,” he said. “We’ve found a partner that truly understands what hoteliers need.
