We are looking for participants! Hotel Guest Room Acoustic Survey The first of its kind! WHO WE ARE JCK Acoustics Group is a multi-disciplinary boutique consulting firm specializing in architectural acoustics, building systems noise and environmental noise providing a practical approach to a vast range of acoustic issues, resolving them with either prevention or cure. We are based in Seattle and have a secondary office location in Shanghai. Our worked has focused on hospitality and mixed -use projects across the U.S. and internationally. Through our efforts, we have been involved with sustainability and raising awareness of noise control needs and feasibility for hotels and hospitality projects around the globe. SURVEY PURPOSE In the past, noise surveys have been conducted by organizations assessing the guest experience in hotels. One of which is an annual survey conducted by J.D. Power and Associates. These surveys have been conducted by acquiring responses from guests. The data has consistently shown that noise is the #1 complaint among guests and has also shown little improvement over the 14 years the survey has been conducted. In 2012, JCK Acoustics Group conducted a similar survey for 1 year in Shanghai, acquiring subjective guest surveys on 100 hotels around the city. Hotels ranged from budget level to luxury level hotels. Results were surprisingly similar to those of J.D. Power & Associates. All of the existing surveys provide the subjective experience from guests. But what do these results mean when compared to what is designed? What do these results mean when compared to industry standard criterion? Our goal is to conduct an objective survey, not by interviewing guests, but by acquiring “real” measured data. Data relating to actual acoustic performance. The performance ratings will include background noise level from HVAC systems, noise from the outdoor environment, sound isolation of wall assemblies and noise from corridors etc. We are aiming at determining a relationship between previously conducted guest surveys & actual design performance in existing hotels. This has never before been accomplished before on a large scale across the globe. SURVEY OBJECTIVES         Over the next 12 months we will be seeking participants who would like to be involved in this survey. We will visit participating hotels and conduct objective measurements of existing hotel facilities around the globe For each participating hotel we aim to measure a representative sample of guest rooms (approx. 20 or more). From the compiled data we wish to answer the following questions. Are the source of complaints design related? If so, what are the generally and specific design issues? Are design standards being achieved? And are they appropriate for the brand? Are guests expecting a higher level of performance? Does guest behavior have a tendency to be more noisy when away from home? Interested in participating? Here is what we will do…. helping improve the guest experience. MEASUREMENTS WHAT WE DELIVER  Upon completion of all measurements we will compile all acquired data and provide a written report to be delivered to the participating hotel. Sound Transmission Class (STC) and Sound Reduction Index (Rw) of guest room partitions. We aim to have a sample of at least 20 partitions tested. We foresee these test occurring at approximately mid-day to avoid disturbances  Noise Criteria (NC) measurements which relates to background noise associated with A/C unis and other HVAC systems. Measurements would include various settings (Low, Med, High).  Environmental Noise measurements (LAeq). We will conduct continuous 24hr noise level measurements associated with exterior sources such as traffic noise. Measurement locations to be determined but should reflect room locations potentially exposed to noise sources.   Inspect and note conditions of door assemblies and closures. Inspect and note any other potential conditions that may allow the transfer of noise between spaces. Examples include mullions, PTAC units and room –to-room door systems If interested, please contact: John Keiffer, Principal Consultant JCK Acoustics Group, LLC Phone: 206-905-9474 Email: [email protected] The written report will document our methodology and a summary of measurement results. In addition, we will provide individual data sheets for each measurement and also provide an outline of potential areas that could benefit from improvement or further considerations for reducing noise, if necessary. Each individual data set will provide complete measurement results over the applicable frequency spectrum. Results can potentially be used as marketing material indicating hotel has achieved or exceeded industry standards for sound isolation between guest rooms, from the exterior and from corridors. We are volunteering our time, efforts and use of equipment. The tasks outlined above are at no cost. This is for research purposes. only CONFIDENTIALITY All tested results will be treated and kept with completely confidentiality. Data acquired will be compiled and used for statistical purposes only. At no time will we mention results of hotel operator or brand. With approval, we would like to only mention hotels participating in this survey.