Mitsubishi Electric Trane HVAC US LLC (METUS) recently showcased a notable project at the newly opened Westin Atlanta Gwinnett, highlighting the effective use of Mitsubishi Electric’s Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) technology.
With its emphasis on guest comfort, this project demonstrates how VRF systems can cater to the diverse climate control needs of a full-service hotel environment.
The Westin Atlanta Gwinnett: A Unique Hotel Experience
Opening its doors in March 2024, the Westin Atlanta Gwinnett stands as the sole full-service hotel in Gwinnett County. Operated by Concord Hospitality Enterprises, the hotel boasts 348 rooms, expansive event spaces, a restaurant, and a rooftop bar.
To support these diverse areas, Mitsubishi Electric’s VRF systems were installed in guest rooms, while Trane’s rooftop units regulated temperature in common spaces like ballrooms and the lobby.
Energy Efficiency and Guest Satisfaction
METUS’ VRF technology enables personalized climate control, allowing guests to adjust thermostats to their liking
METUS’ VRF technology enables personalized climate control, allowing guests to adjust thermostats to their liking. This setup is particularly beneficial in larger suites, where even temperature distribution is crucial. Importantly, the zoning capability ensures energy isn’t wasted in unoccupied rooms.
Carl Hren, Executive Vice President of Development at Concord Hospitality Enterprises, stated, “From day one, Mitsubishi Electric’s VRF heat pump system has delivered energy performance beyond expectations. We’re seeing lower electrical bills than we would have expected for a hotel of this size.”
This observation underscores the system’s efficiency, which has also influenced future projects for Concord Hospitality.
A Seamless and Comfortable Environment
Unlike more traditional solutions, the VRF units at the Westin are discreetly placed in ceiling soffits, avoiding the space allocation issues associated with vertical terminal air conditioner (VTAC) closets. This design choice enhances airflow control and maintains the aesthetic integrity of guest rooms.
“The Westin Atlanta Gwinnett proves that true hospitality isn’t just seen, it’s felt,” remarked David Archer, Vice President of Commercial Business at METUS. He emphasized how the VRF systems support a luxurious and energy-efficient hospitality environment, contributing significantly to guest relaxation and comfort.
Award-Winning Performance
The success of the Westin Atlanta Gwinnett was cemented with the 2024 Marriott Full Service Opening Hotel of the Year Award, recognizing the hotel’s excellence in guest experience and operational execution. Furthermore, this project is the fifth collaboration between Concord Hospitality and METUS, with future developments expected to feature Mitsubishi Electric VRF systems due to the positive results achieved.
Mitsubishi Electric Trane HVAC US LLC (METUS), a major supplier of all-electric, all-climate Ductless and Ducted Mini-split and Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) heat pump and air-conditioning systems, highlights a customer success story showcasing how Mitsubishi Electric VRF technology supports the Westin Atlanta Gwinnett’s commitment to guest comfort.
Opened in March 2024, the Westin Atlanta Gwinnett is Gwinnett County’s only full-service hotel and a standout property from Concord Hospitality Enterprises. With 348 guest rooms and suites, seven guest room floors, event space, a restaurant, a fitness studio, and a rooftop bar, the property needed an HVAC system that delivered high-quality performance for every area.
Mitsubishi Electric’s VRF technology made that possible in guest rooms, while Trane, a partner of METUS, provided rooftop units to serve common areas like ballrooms, meeting rooms, hallways, and the hotel lobby.
Personalized climate control
Mitsubishi Electric VRF systems offer personalized climate control in each room. Guests can easily adjust their thermostats, and in larger suites, the system design was tailored to promote even comfort regardless of room size. Zoning for every room is designed to prevent wasted energy on unoccupied spaces, a crucial advantage in a hotel with 348 rooms.
“From day one, Mitsubishi Electric’s VRF heat pump system has delivered energy performance beyond expectations,” said Carl Hren, Executive Vice President of Development at Concord Hospitality Enterprises, which developed the property. “We’re seeing lower electrical bills than we would have expected for a hotel of this size.”
Additionally, unlike bulky vertical terminal air conditioner (VTAC) closets that take up valuable real estate and sometimes are positioned to blow air directly onto the bed, the Westin’s VRF units are concealed in ceiling soffits near room entries, allowing for better airflow control and a cleaner layout.
Excellence in guest experience
“The Westin Atlanta Gwinnett proves that true hospitality isn’t just seen, it’s felt,” said David Archer, Vice President of Commercial Business at METUS.
“With our all-climate VRF systems delivering whisper-quiet, personalized comfort behind the scenes, guests can fully relax and recharge. This project reflects how our technology creates a luxury hospitality environment while meeting modern standards for energy performance.”
This marks the fifth project Concord Hospitality Enterprises has completed with METUS, and Concord Hospitality has already started specifying Mitsubishi Electric VRF systems for future projects based on the system’s performance at the Westin Atlanta Gwinnett.
The property’s success was further recognized when the Westin Atlanta Gwinnett received the 2024 Marriott Full Service Opening Hotel of the Year Award, an honor given to top-performing new properties that demonstrate excellence in guest experience, operational execution and brand standards.
