Security at Stockholm’s Largest Hotel

The Clarion Hotel Sign, which has 558 rooms, is Stockholm’s largest hotel and one of the city’s most spectacular buildings. The hotel, designed by the award winning architect Gerth Wingård, and constructed by Skanska and the Norwegian contractor Arthur Buchardt, houses ten floors with art, design, architecture and gastronomic experiences. Clarion Hotel Sign has engaged guards with limited police competence from Securitas to provide security 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

The 29,000 square meter Clarion Hotel Sign is located at Norra Bantorget in Stockholm, Sweden. It is an impressive building with a glass and black granite exterior, and with an interior featuring Scandinavian motifs. The hotel only features furniture from recognized Scandinavian designers and no less than 1,200 upholstered “7” chairs designed by Arne Jacobsen. You will not find a single chair that is not one of the famous designs known as Jetson, the Egg or the Swan. This is an investment which together with the photographic art featured in the hotel, require security.

”From a security perspective, the designer factor is problematic since everything in the hotel is so valuable,” says Marcus Majewski, hotel manager. “And security is extremely important due to the risk for theft. We cannot treat every person who stays at the hotel as a suspect. We also want people to feel safe, which is a major aspect in today's business climate. We have many companies that use our conference premises and discuss confidential matters; everything from secret new medicines to new, secret computer programs.”

With a hotel this size, the building is basically like an open mall. There are many people coming and going all the time: To go to their rooms, to participate in a conference, or possibly to enjoy a delicious dinner at the Aquavit Grill & Raw Bar. The fact that the building has several entrances means that security is put to the test every day.

In addition, five to ten times each month, it is necessary that extra security be called in for major events in the 650 square meter banquet hall. Often, there are high-profile guests who are speakers such as Sweden’s former Prime Minister, Bill Gates, or Her Majesty Queen Silvia. These guests often require dignitary protection and many times have their own bodyguards with them.

”In that case, it is good to have Securitas acting in a purely coordinating role. Another major benefit when cooperating with Securitas is that we know there are resources available. If we need dignitary protection or cars with bulletproof glass then Securitas can probably deliver it. It is an extension of on-site security. The fact that there is capacity that can be utilized is what makes the contract just that much more attractive. For example, an American company that was visiting required that the conference room be checked for any hidden microphones. It was reassuring to know that Securitas could assist with this. However, the daily security efforts are what are most important for me. The positive reports that I get every 24 hours make it worthwhile.”

Prior to the opening of Stockholm’s new, first-class hotel in February 2008, Marcus Majewski checked the references of possible security companies. He did not have to look for long.

”When we opened the Clarion Hotel Sign, the security manager at Clarion Hotel Stockholm recommended that we engage Securitas. I received a lot of calls from other security companies, but in this kind of building, the guests expect a certain degree of professionalism, which means that you can’t just hire anyone. It is also fun to see that people who work with us from Securitas are service-minded; they help to change a light bulb if our personnel are busy. They even help to take bags to the luggage room when no one is able to leave the front desk. They are helpful out on the floor and have an inherent feeling for service. For me, that means everything.”

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