PICTURE PERFECT

Ahotel must be on its game to compete in affluent Bergen County, NJ. How does a limited service property like the 76-room Comfort Inn & Suites in Paramus keep up with the full-service big boys?

“We've got it all,” boasts the hotel's ebullient GM, Sean Charnow, who rattles off a list of top-end amenities. A $4-million renovation two years ago of the former Red Carpet Inn basically “took it to the bones, to the concrete block,” says Charnow. The pièce de résistance, says Charnow, is the flat-screen televisions the company purchased from Philips Commercial Solutions.

“They're just beautiful,” he sighs. “They're sleek and well-designed, and the reaction from guests has been fabulous. And, best of all, no one else around here has them. We're going up against Hilton, Marriott, Crowne Plaza, yet we have the hottest amenity.”

The 37-inch HD, pay-per-view-compatible LCD TV features advanced LCD technologies, claims Philips, resulting in razor-sharp images and brilliant colors for maximum viewing enjoyment. Plus, the SmartPlug provides seamless pay-per-view connectivity. The Smart R/F Clone allows all TVs to be programmed in as little as five minutes, while future-proof software upgradability safeguards the owner's investment.

Service is critical when it comes to such a high-tech amenity, and on that issue, Charnow has no complaints. The hotel is in the process of installing the last 20 units and he reports delivery has been prompt and relatively seamless. “Philips has been on top of getting me answers to any order issues,” he says. Circle 81

To promote the new amenity, Charnow is in the process of reshooting the property's virtual tours and photographing the rooms to highlight the new TVs.

“We're excited about the TVs and getting the word out. I think guests will love them and appreciate the bang for the buck.”

Hands-Free Faucet

ShowHouse by Moen's Destiny faucet features hands-free technology that conserves water, reduces germs and decreases water bills. Destiny offers a sleek, modern design and produces a sheeting water flow. Circle 82

Enhanced Output Card

A new option for the Eagle 200 and Eagle 200HD is the Enhanced Output Card. According to FSR, this option allows operators to use a new second output channel at a separate resolution from the current main/program output. Add the Enhanced Output Card to the Eagles for simultaneous output of analog and SDI signals at NTCS/PAL and HD resolutions. Circle 83

Single-Serve Coffee

Sunbeam's new Mr. Coffee Single-Serve Coffeemaker PTC13-099 with one-touch operation allows brewing within three and a half minutes — up to a single 16-ounce serving. Its removable brew basket makes cleaning quick and easy. It also offers an optional disposable brew basket. Circle 84

Dance Floor

PS Event Furniture, formerly Palmer Snyder, introduces a new type of portable dance floor built on advanced composite polyurethane technology. This technology is said to create a lighter, thinner, yet more durable dance floor panel. The Revolution four- by four-foot panel allows for faster set up and removal. The cam-lock fastening system eliminates the problem of panels separating while the dance floor is in use. Circle 85

Carpet Cushion

Healthier Choice offers a line of low-VOC commercial carpet cushions. Called Foundation Contract Carpet Cushion, the line has emiss'ions nearly 50 times lower than the CRI Green Label limit, claims the company. Specifiers may be able to use Foundation to obtain credit with several environmental ratings systems or programs. Circle 86

Carpet Collection

Durkan Hospitality's Serenity is a transitional carpet collection blending organic elements to create a relaxing retreat for a variety of hospitality settings. Available in both print and computer yarn placement designs, Serenity's 16 neutral yet stylish patterns incorporate hints of tribal influences and flavors of faraway places. Circle 87

Glassware

KWARX is an advanced material developed by Cardinal International. It offers transparency, luster and strength. Initially offered in the Mikasa Hotel & Restaurant line, the Open Up Oenology collection is made with the KWARX material and designed for the specific enjoyment of young wines. Circle 88

Green Furniture Line

Big Pagoda Company introduces new “green” designs by furniture designer Gabriel K. Beil of Semolina Design. Beil's BP Green Collection epitomizes Big Pagoda's evolution of classic Chinese forms combined with eco-friendly materials. Circle 89

Pancake and Waffle Mixes

Pioneer Pancake and Waffle Mixes are made with real buttermilk solids and distinctive vanilla flavor. The versatile trans fat-free mixes may be used for signature recipes any time of day. Available in Original Buttermilk Pancake, Buttermilk Pancake and Waffle, Western Style Buttermilk Pancake and Multi-Grain Pancake mixes. Circle 90

Wire Baskets

Recent additions to American Metalcraft's baskets line include 18/8 stainless steel wire style baskets. The Whirly Baskets feature pedestal bases and a slanted wire design that showcases all types of breads, rolls and fruits. The Slinky Bridge Basket features an arch design with a concave center to hold small servings of rolls and fancy breads. Circle 91

Distribution Solutions

Amadeus offers a complete suite of products and services for the distribution and management of hotel rooms. The company also offers property management systems, revenue management and other solutions dedicated to revenue optimization. Circle 92

Cleaning Solution

The Oil Eater cleaner/degreaser quickly and safely cleans parking lot spots, carpet and upholstery stains, wall markings and other areas where grease and grime are found. The non-flammable cleaner is water-based, fresh-scented, biodegradable and contains no acid, abrasive or petroleum solvents. Circle 93

Lime Glazed Wings

Tyson Tequila Lime Glazed Wings are fully cooked wings glazed with a zesty combination of lime juice and tequila to deliver on-trend taste and full flavor. Medium-sized wing portions provide balanced plate coverage and visual appeal. Circle 94

Water Bottle

Evian Natural Spring Water introduces its new luxury Palace Bottle. Designed specifically for fine dining experiences, the Palace Bottle embodies the premium water's ability to provide consumers with an elite hydration experience. The bottle's silhouette is sleek and contemporary, a smooth cylinder rising from a rendering of the French Alps. Circle 95

Waste Receptacles

United Receptacle has expanded the Silhouettes line of waste receptacles to include half round models. These models are designed to fit flush against a wall to reduce obstruction in high traffic areas. The open top design allows for hands-free waste disposal and features a large capacity 12-gallon liner. Choose from stainless steel, Uni-Koat powder coated textured black, silver metallic or desert pearl finishes. Circle 96

Cup Heater

A cup heater allows for preheating coffee cups. Coffee will stay longer on temperature and will keep its taste. With the new cup heater (KKWn) from Animo, numerous cups can be preheated. The heater is produced in stainless steel, has two compartments and has a capacity of up to 144 cups. Circle 97

Health Club Cleaning

Contec, Inc., manufacturer of Athletix Products, offers cleaning solutions for health club equipment. Products include guide rod wipes, antibacterial wipes, corrosion inhibitor, odor neutralizer spray and equipment cleaner wipes. Circle 98