How Much Does a Hotel Panic Button System Cost?

Pricing up hotel panic button systems can be challenging, particularly considering the various options available on the market. In fact, it's one of the most common questions we get here at ROAR. So, since we are committed to protecting vulnerable workers, as well as ensuring employers get the best ROI, I thought it would be useful to offer my experience to provide insight into some of the costs of various systems available. 

In this blog post, we’ll explore  some of the pros and cons, the various pricing options, and how to choose the right hotel panic button system for your specific requirements.

What Are the Typical Pricing Models and Ranges in Panic Buttons? 

Today, panic button systems come in a range of different setups. Typical prices vary depending on the type of system, dead zone coverage, 911 integration and the specific factors related to individual property  layout. 

We typically see healthcare sites assign a wearable button each staff member that interacts with patients or guests that alerts nearby staff or security, 911 wearable buttons to security officers to provide them with a way to escalate a situation once they respond, 911 programmed under the desk buttons for the front desk by the entryways. Parking lot coverage is more common within this vertical, and is typically based on past incidents or if there’s staff experiencing domestic violence. 

For hospitality settings, we see almost the same setup except the 911 wearable or fixed buttons may also be provided for overnight or audit workers that tend to be alone and don’t have nearby staff or security to help them. Some hotels opt to provide buttons for their valet depending on their location as well. 

Below, we breakdown the pricing ranges for some of the most common panic button systems available.  

Wearable Panic Buttons

In our experience, wearable panic button systems are the best way to protect staff and deliver a tangible ROI. Unlike static solutions, they go where the staff is within the facility or the parking lot and they’re readily available within reach when needed to mitigate risk and expedite response time. They are typically cost-effective and easy to use, making them the most popular choice amongst our clients and beyond. 

Pros 

• Portable 
• Discrete
• Easy to use
• 911 emergency alert options
• Dead Zone Protection
• Real-time notifications
• Precise location
• Data analytics

Cons

• Potential for accidental activation
• Often reliant on reliable WIFI and/or cellular coverage

Price Range (not including 911 buttons)

• 20-200 rooms = $0.70 - $0.25 per room per day
• 201-500 rooms = $0.25 - $0.23 per room per day
• 501-1,500 rooms = $0.23 - $0.22 per room per day

Under Desk Panic Button Solutions

While wearable panic buttons offer the most flexible and effective alert system, there is still a place for under desk solutions. They are ideal for fixed locations, providing a reliable and durable solution for staff working in specific areas like reception or in offices, ideal for front desk applications. When combined with wearable buttons, they provide an additional layer of security compared to a standalone solution, especially as front line staff can leverage them discreetly and act as the front line of defense. 

Pros 

• Fixed location 
• Durability
• Cost-effectiveness

Cons

• Limited accessibility 

Price Range (for one front desk button and 5 beacons)*

• Hardware Costs — $1,000
• Installation Costs — $300
• Subscription Fees — $1,600 / year

* Pricing shown is in additional to the property pricing

Noise Makers

Noise makers are cheap and often tend to escalate dangerous situations, or not be heard when staff is not nearby. They do not notify hotel security guards directly or provide real-live location alerts, but in some situations they may alert nearby individuals to a situation. It’s important to consider the differences between silent alarms and audible panic alarms.

Pros

• Immediate attention
• Simple to use
• Cheap

Cons

• Limited usefulness
• No direct alert to security
• Will alert aggressors

Price Range

• Device Cost — $10 to $50 per unit
• No Subscription Fees

App-based

App-based panic button solutions are installed on existing smartphones and tablets. They are easily scalable and provide a level of familiarity for smartphone users. However, connectivity issues can hamper the efficacy of these systems.

Pros

• Convenience
• Advanced features
• Scalability
• Inexpensive (excluding cost of the phone) 

Cons

• Device dependence
• Connectivity issues
• Potential distractions
• Slow and cumbersome compared to panic buttons

Price Range

• Application Cost — $5 to $15 per user per month (excluding cost of the phone)
• Minimal Setup Costs

Key Features to Look for When Choosing a Staff Safety Solution

While there are plenty of options when it comes to panic buttons, I firmly believe that the best way that employers can truly improve worker safety and security is by providing staff with personal, wearable devices. There are numerous benefits to these systems, however, its critical to ensure that your chosen system includes the following key features: 

• Wearable — Ensures that employees have immediate access to a panic button at all times, regardless of where they are on the hotel premises. This is particularly important for lone or vulnerable workers who need to be able to alert help to their precise location.

• Discrete — Prevents potential aggressors from realizing that an alert has been triggered, which can be vital in volatile situations.

• Standalone — Ensures reliability as they do not depend on other technologies that might fail or be unavailable during an emergency.

• Accurate Location — Ensures an employee’s location can be identified quickly and precisely. 

• Dead Zone Protection — Provides superior coverage and ensures that panic buttons work everywhere within the hotel, including areas where Wi-Fi or cellular signals might be weak.

• 911-options — Allows for direct contact with emergency services and first responders in severe situations where immediate external intervention is required.

• Educational Resources & Training — Maximizes the effectiveness of the panic button system and ensures that staff feel confident using it.

• Decals and Signage  – Deters bad actors from committing acts of aggression since they are aware the system is in use.

How to Choose the Right Panic Button System for Your Hotel

Choosing the right panic button system for your hotel depends on a variety of factors specific to the premises. Explore how we advise our clients through the following considerations: 

 1. Size

• Small Hotels — Often lacking internal security teams. A combination of standard and 911-enabled panic buttons ensures fast response times.
• Medium and Large Hotels — Hotels with onsite security personnel should consider standard panic buttons and equip the security team and front desk with 911-enabled options to summon emergency services.

 2. Layout

• Multi-Level Buildings — Ensure the system supports vertical coverage, with panic buttons accessible on all floors.
• Wide-Spanning Properties — For properties with sprawling layouts, consider systems with robust connectivity, such as those using LTE and Bluetooth technology.
• Complex Layouts — Hotels with many corridors, hidden corners, and multiple facilities (like gyms, pools, and conference rooms) might require a more sophisticated network of panic buttons to cover all areas effectively.

3. Dead Zones

• Basements and Storage Areas — These areas often have poor signal reception. Ensure the system you choose has dead zone protection capabilities, such as extended range or standalone functionality and is not reliant on WIFI
• Remote Corners — Verify that the chosen system provides consistent coverage in all parts of the property, including remote or less frequently used areas.
• Testing — Regularly test the system in all areas to ensure there are no gaps in coverage, and address any identified dead zones with additional devices or signal boosters.

 4. Staff

• Housekeeping and Maintenance Staff — Ensure lone and vulnerable workers who often move throughout the hotel are equipped with wearable buttons for continuous protection.
• Front Desk and Concierge — Consider fixed panic buttons under desks or at strategic locations ensuring quick access for staff who remain in fixed positions.
• Security Personnel — Think about equipping security staff with advanced panic buttons that have direct communication with emergency services for immediate response.

5. Installation

• No Disturbance to Hotel Operations — Select a system that can be installed with minimal disruption to daily operations. Wireless systems or those requiring minimal wiring are often preferable.
• Easy Integration — Choose a system that works independently of the existing internal network. Operating on a proprietary network reduces installation timelines and improves performance.
• Maintenance — Consider the long-term maintenance requirements of the system. Systems with higher upfront installation costs might offer lower maintenance needs, while simpler systems might require more frequent updates or battery replacements.

What Are Panic Devices for Hotels?

Panic devices for hotels are important safety tools designed to protect hotel staff from potential threats or emergencies. The AHLA (American Hotel and Lodging Association) states that more than 5000 of its members are already using these systems to allow hotel workers to instantly alert security personnel or management in case of an emergency. 

In particular, panic devices are key safety solutions for hospitality workers, including housekeepers and other lone workers, who are often in isolated areas of a hotel or in 1 on 1 situations with guests. By providing a direct line of communication during emergencies, panic buttons create a safer work environment and contribute to the overall well-being of employees. Many leading hotel brands have adopted panic button systems, setting a standard for staff security and demonstrating a commitment to protecting their workforce.

What Are the Benefits of The Panic Button?

In addition to enhancing the safety and security within the hotel industry, panic buttons can also provide a tangible ROI, helping to reduce the costs of staff turnover among other benefits. Below, we look at

• • Enhanced Employee Safety — Panic buttons provide immediate assistance in emergencies, reducing the risk of harm to staff.
  • Better Employee Retention — Workers are more likely to remain in their job knowing that their employer prioritizes their safety and well-being.
  • Lower Turnover and Associated Costs — Better retention means less turnover, which lowers the cost of onboarding, training and lost productivity. 
  • Quick Response Times — Alerts are sent instantly to security personnel, allowing for rapid intervention and potentially preventing escalation of incidents.
  • Increased Employee Confidence — Knowing that help is just a button press away can boost morale and productivity among hotel staff.
  • Compliance with Regulations — In some regions, hotel laws and regulations for safety mandate the use of panic buttons in hotels. Panic button laws are increasingly becoming the norm in many states. 
  • Deterrence of Potential Threats — The presence of a panic button system can deter potential aggressors from attempting any harmful actions, knowing that security can be quickly alerted.

We recognize the numerous challenges in protecting people within a building, and have talked directly to the staff about what's most important to them to feel physically and psychologically safe (this was especially important to me as a formally unsafe worker). This led us to develop a standalone, fully redundant solution that operates flawlessly in any building construction. This includes features such as:

Comprehensive Coverage: Protecting staff from the moment they arrive on-site (parking lots) to anywhere within the building. If there are multiple locations a staff member visits, we can have the same button work in all of them to minimize administrative burden and enhance usage.

100% Dead Spot Protection: Our solution does not rely on in-room WiFi or LTE to send notifications, ensuring complete coverage.

Real-Time Tracking: Pinpoints the location of the person who activated the panic button and tracks them in real-time to expedite response time.

Power Outage Resilience: Operates for up to 8 hours even during power outages.

Flexible Notifications: Notifies nearby staff, security, or even 911, with options for fixed or wearable buttons to suit staff needs, ensuring support even for night workers.

Visual Alerts: Provides visual indicators to signal to staff when an alert has been sent.

Escalation Pathways: Indicates when responders are en route.

Self-Reliant System: Automatically sends network health and battery notifications to ensure proactive maintenance.

Proactive Support: Calls are made when an alert has been active for more than 5 minutes.

Backup Systems: Our networking equipment has backups for their backups. For example, our e-SIM cards automatically test for the strongest carrier within your area and select it as primary, with a backup in case it fails.

Detailed Reporting: Offers security and risk management teams the ability to utilize data for informed decisions about overall risk mitigation plans.

Conclusion

From New Jersey to California, hotel employers looking for a reliable and effective panic button solution to boost worker protection always need to consider the potential costs and the ROI. However, while there are cheap options available, it’s highly important that you consider all the pros and cons, and ensure your chosen solution ticks off all the boxes in our panic button provider checklist.