Hospitality

Simplifying Site Management Through Data

Published

1 year ago

October 2, 2024

Located in the Philippines, Okada Manila is one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing markets for gaming, hospitality, and entertainment. This magnificent integrated resort is a bustling city unto itself, boasting 993 accommodations, extensive shopping on its Retail Boulevard, a premier spa, an array of dining choices, and a variety of entertainment options including a casino, nightclub, and indoor beach club. Okada Manila has been accorded a Forbes 5-star rating for four consecutive years to date. To keep the resort abuzz, Okada Manila’s thousands of staff spread out across this expansive and scenic oceanfront property.

“From a physical control standpoint, it can be incredibly challenging to secure a property as diverse as ours,” says Kelly Billups, Executive Director of Security Technology Services for Okada Manila. “From a security systems perspective, we expect a very high level of capability to provide a strong layer of technical administration and proactiveness in regard to the overall security effectiveness for the property.”

To achieve that high level of supervision and monitoring, Okada Manila requires a security partner capable of simplifying the site’s complex management while offering controls capable of matching the resort’s elite standards.

But Kelly takes it all in stride: “It’s a huge operation, but the big benefit we have is that we’ve got Gallagher.”

Managing a site through centralized data

The scale of Okada Manila’s operation means managing their site’s security has the potential to become unwieldy rather quickly. Even simply controlling staff entry can become a monumental task with a requirement that all employees and third parties use one dedicated entrance and exit to a very sizeable back of the house area that extends nearly the entirety of the property.

To ensure such compliances are met across the site, Okada Manila relies on data reporting from multiple technologies to provide a bird’s eye view of the resort. Gallagher’s Command Centre integration capabilities make it possible.

From one centralized platform, Okada Manila can generate singular, chronological reports populated from multiple systems, enabling their security division to combine data from their back of the house applications, guest lodging, electronic key management system, lifts on the property, and custom HR interface to produce a holistic account of activities within the resort.

“We rely on Command Centre for that technical administration and to generate high-level reports,” says Kelly, “and those information sets are one of the key benefits of our Gallagher system.”

Data reporting also enables Okada Manila to optimize site management.

“Beyond the expected service of access control, we’re looking for behavioral patterns in our reflective data and reports,” explains Kelly. “We maintain a combined proactive approach utilizing live data with other systems, as well as conduct random audits every month to get a sense of how individual parts of our resort are operating. That information can tell us the usual amount of time or frequency members of our team utilize a space, perform an action, or generally move about the property, which in turn helps us identify where additional staffing or resources are needed, or if any unusual activity is happening.”

A one card solution with dramatic results

But to achieve this level of oversight across their site, Okada Manila needs a single input tool for tracking those behaviors. To simplify the process and ensure compliance, Kelly introduced a one card solution.

Using a single card, employees can:

Enter the property
Operate lifts
Access restricted areas, guest rooms, and amenities
Interface with payroll time clocks, electronic key management, parking boom gates, and wardrobe services

Not only does this make it easy to collect data from multiple technologies, but this one card solution also removes the burden of managing several codes, key fobs, and cards for staff.

But of all of these access card benefits, one in particular stands out.

“If I were to lay claim to any one major win we’ve accomplished with Gallagher at Okada Manila, it’s what we did with staff lockers,” Kelly says. “We have around 6,000 lockers for staff and third parties on our property, and previously, as experienced in other integrated resorts, we were only able to secure and manage lockers with mechanical locking solutions. This meant investigating any events involving staff lockers was significantly challenging and not always successful. But once we applied Command Centre’s Locker Management Solution, we reduced undesirable events to nearly zero, and at the same time increased the efficiency of staff services.”

Using their one access card, Okada Manila’s staff secure their individual lockers, ensure they’re closed properly, and prevent unauthorized access. “Such a dramatic reduction in adverse events has been an incredible benefit to the business and our employees, who don’t have to worry about the safekeeping of their belongings anymore” explains Kelly. “And of course, it frees up security resources to focus on other things.”

Partnerships beyond security

With all the complexity surrounding Okada Manila’s operations, Kelly emphasizes that a supportive partnership is a key proponent among the resort’s top security needs.

“Partnership is everything,” says Kelly. “I know a lot of customers use less than 10% of the features when they deploy an access control system, but we always want more out of our system, so it’s important that we work with a vendor who we know is going to listen to our ideas.”

And Okada Manila believes they’ve found that kind of lasting partnership in Gallagher.

“People ask me all the time, ‘Why the preference for Gallagher?’; I say it’s the ease of use, and most importantly, because they listen and cater to individual customer needs,” Kelly reflects. “It’s that ease of interface to a multitude of control and business systems, and you only get those results by really, truly listening and addressing your customer’s needs. Trusting in that partnership and being able to combine all the technologies I need into one platform is critical to our success with security technologies.”

Hospitality

A RELAXING POOLSIDE RETREAT AT PALACE DOWNTOWN

Published

1 day ago

March 26, 2026

Integrator Web-Admin

Enjoy a relaxing day under the Dubai sun with the Pool Pass at Palace Downtown, available on food and beverages. Perfect for a leisurely daytime escape, the offer allows guests to indulge in refreshing drinks and light bites while unwinding in a serene poolside setting in the heart of Downtown Dubai.

Surrounded by palm trees and the hotel’s elegant Arabian-inspired architecture, the pool at Palace Downtown offers a tranquil oasis with breathtaking views of the iconic Burj Khalifa. With its peaceful atmosphere, comfortable loungers, and attentive service, the pool creates the perfect setting for a sun-soaked retreat blending relaxation with refined hospitality.

Date & time: Monday & Sunday | 7am – 7pm
Price: AED 250 (fully redeemable on F&B credit) | Location: Ground Floor, Palace Downtown

Sun-Soaked Poolside Escape at Address Downtown

Enjoy a refreshing day in the heart of the city with the Pool Pass at Address Downtown, available daily at AED 350 per person, fully redeemable on food and beverages. Perfect for a leisurely daytime retreat, the offer allows guests to indulge in poolside dining while relaxing in a sophisticated setting overlooking Downtown Dubai.

Surrounded by elegant design and breathtaking views of the iconic Burj Khalifa skyline, the pool at Address Downtown offers a serene urban oasis. With its tranquil atmosphere, comfortable loungers, and attentive service, it provides the perfect setting to unwind, soak up the sunshine, and experience a relaxed yet refined poolside escape.

Date & time: Monday & Sunday | 7am – 7pm
Price: AED 350 (fully redeemable on F&B credit) | Location: LobbyLevel, Address Downtown

Contemporary Mediterranean Flavours at Solara, Address Dubai Mall

Set against the vibrant backdrop of Downtown Dubai, Solara at Address Dubai Mall invites guests to discover a contemporary Mediterranean dining experience infused with Middle Eastern flair. The stylish restaurant offers a relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere with stunning views of the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountain, creating the perfect setting for an elegant evening.

Guests can enjoy a specially curated two-course set menu for AED 199 per person or a three-course set menu, available for dinner from 6:30 PM to 11:30 PM. Designed to highlight Solara’s vibrant flavours and refined culinary style, the experience promises a memorable night of exceptional cuisine in one of Downtown Dubai’s most scenic dining destinations.

Experience: The Luncheon

2 course set menu at AED 199 | 3 course set menu at AED 249 | Timing: From 6:30 PM – 11:30 PM | Location: Solara, Address Dubai Mall

Discover a Renewed Haven of Calm at The Spa at Address Dubai Mall

The Spa at Address Dubai Mall unveils a refined wellness experience designed to restore balance and elevate relaxation. Nestled within the iconic hotel, the serene setting enhanced by soft lighting, soothing textures, and graceful interiors offers a peaceful retreat from the energy of the city, inviting guests to unwind and reconnect in a tranquil atmosphere.

Guests can indulge in expertly delivered treatments tailored for deep rejuvenation, including the Signature Wellness Rebalance Massage, a 60-minute experience available at AED 450. Thoughtfully designed to restore harmony, the treatment provides the perfect opportunity to pause, recharge, and embrace a moment of calm within one of Downtown Dubai’s most elegant wellness destinations

Experience: 60-Minute selected Spa Treatment

Price: AED 450 | Timing: From 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Location: The Spa, Address Dubai Mall

Cool Off in Style with Pool Access & Dining Credit at Address Dubai Mall

Immerse yourself in pure indulgence at Address Dubai Mall’s breathtaking infinity pool, where shimmering waters meet the glamour of Downtown Dubai. Bask in the golden sun as you take in the spellbinding views of the iconic Burj Khalifa, creating picture-perfect moments of serenity and sophistication. Enhance your experience with an exclusive pool access pass that comes with a delightful dining credit to tantalize your taste buds.

Relax in the comfort of elegant poolside lounges, sip on refreshing beverages, and savor gourmet delights while basking in the most coveted views in the city. Float effortlessly in the infinity waters or unwind in breezy, sun-kissed lounges, where every moment is a scene of pure bliss waiting to be savored. No reservations required; simply stroll in and surrender to luxury. Pool access passes are available at the Pool Counter on Level 12.

Date & time: Daily | 10am – 7pm | Price: All 7 Days of the week- AED 200, fully redeemable on F&B credit | Location: Level 12, Address Dubai Mall

Hospitality

A SUNDAY BRUNCH FOR KIDS: BAMBINI BRUNCH AT FALCONE

Published

1 day ago

March 26, 2026

Integrator Web-Admin

FALCONE invites Dubai families to join with their little ones for a special kids’ brunch afternoon 1pm – 4pm at FALCONE: “Bambini Brunch”. An afternoon dedicated for kids to have fun away in the heart of Italian cuisine featuring children’s all-time favourite: pizza.

Now that Dubai kids are studying from home due to the current challenging situation, they are more than ever spending time on screens. Bambini Brunch is the perfect weekend activity for kids to get them off screens and engage in fun, hands-on interactive activities that stimulate their creativity while they’re making unforgettable memories.

Activities include a pizza masterclass for kids (that adults would love too), showcasing the original Neapolitan pizza recipe and techniques, as taught by FALCONE’s world-ranked pizza chef, Chef Roberta, the talent behind FALCONE’s pizza that was named Dubai’s Best Pizza, Highly Commended for Best Pizzeria at the Time Out Dubai Restaurant Awards 2026. Kids will get to learn directly from the chefs and make their own pizzas.

In addition to the pizza masterclass, children can enjoy DIY kids’ stations, all set within a lively and engaging atmosphere, with their favourite tunes playing throughout the afternoon.

While their kids are enjoying the kids’ activities, parents can relax and enjoy FALCONE’s comforting Italian favourites.

Bambini Brunch is happening this Sunday 29 March, 1pm – 4pm. All ages are welcome.

Details:

Where: FALCONE, Galleria Mall, Ground Floor, Al Barsha, Dubai
When: Sunday 29 March, 1pm – 4pm
Offer: Bambini brunch for kids featuring:
- Pizza masterclass for kids
- Magician show
- DIY kids’ stations
- Balloon bending

Hospitality

WELLBEINGS HOLISTIC HEALING AT EDITION DUBAI PRESENTS A “WELLNESS ESCAPE”

Published

1 day ago

March 26, 2026

Integrator Web-Admin

In a moment where the world calls for greater stillness and intention, Wellbeings Holistic Healing at Edition Dubai introduces Wellness Escape, an elevated experience designed to restore balance through refined simplicity and thoughtful care.

Set against the iconic backdrop of Burj Khalifa, this exclusive offering by Wellbeings Holistic Healing invites guests into a serene sanctuary where time slows and wellbeing takes precedence. The experience includes pool access with sweeping skyline views, a 90-minute signature massage or rejuvenating facial, an oxygen therapy session designed to refresh and restore, AED 150 redeemable on food and beverage, and full access to the spa’s sauna and steam facilities, each element curated to deliver a seamless sense of indulgence and calm.

Rooted in a philosophy that blends holistic therapies with contemporary luxury, Wellbeings Holistic Healing continues to define elevated wellness experiences, creating spaces that nurture both body and mind in an atmosphere of quiet sophistication.

Christian Kiefer, CEO and Founder of Spa Wellness Project Management, commented: “In times of uncertainty, true luxury lies in the ability to pause, recalibrate, and reconnect. Wellness today is about creating meaningful moments of restoration that resonate long after the experience itself.”

The Wellness Escape presents a refined expression of modern wellbeing for those seeking both escape and renewal in the heart of Dubai.