The Century House Hotel Moves Events Outdoors

Deep Blue Communications, a Comcast Business company, announced The Century House — an upscale hotel and event space in upstate New York that is part of the Choice Hotels franchise — selected its wireless connectivity services to extend current Wi-Fi coverage to the hotel’s new open-air outdoor conference and event venue.

The Century House, like other hospitality businesses, faced never-before-seen challenges last year as the COVID-19 pandemic swept across the globe, resulting in widespread cancellation of travel and events. The hotel began to strategize new ways to safely host events, business meetings, and conferences while New York State restrictions prohibited large indoor gatherings. Hotel owner Colin DeMers devised a unique solution: a 100-person open-air tent.

Deep Blue Communications — a Comcast Business company that combines the power and reliability of advanced technology with award-winning managed Wi-Fi solutions — has provided managed Wi-Fi service and guest Wi-Fi for the hotel’s indoor spaces for the past seven years. The Century House approached Deep Blue with its idea for the new outdoor venue, which would need Wi-Fi coverage to keep event attendees connected. 

“Deep Blue jumped into action after they heard our idea for an outdoor venue, quickly performing onsite assessments and designing and installing the infrastructure that would extend our existing Wi-Fi coverage to the tent,” said Monica LaBree, General Manager, Century House. “We had reliable Wi-Fi connectivity in the tent up and running in just a few weeks, which allowed us to host safe, socially distanced events in the summer and fall of 2020, and support a core piece of our business during a pandemic.”

Following the successful outdoor Wi-Fi implementation, The Century House booked more than 20 business and social events in the new open-air venue before the space closed for the winter. The hotel plans to host events in its outdoor space throughout 2021, giving businesses and guests a safe, well-ventilated way to gather for events as the pandemic lingers. 

“The Century House’s idea for a connected, fully functional outdoor event space embodies the agility and creative spirit that businesses of all kinds have channeled to survive past and present disruptions,” said Brian Epstein, CEO, Deep Blue Communications, a Comcast Business company. “With our technology supporting this innovative concept, the hotel can capture revenue during a challenging time for the events business and uphold a nearly four-decade legacy of hospitality excellence while it continues to bounce forward.” 

As business returns to normal, The Century House plans to roll out a new guest Wi-Fi network, which Deep Blue Communications will design and install.