Lutron for Hotels

Lighting Control for Architects & M&E Consultants

Specifying lighting control for hotels requires balancing guest experience, energy efficiency, and regulatory compliance. The right system creates atmosphere in public spaces, simplifies operations for staff, and meets Part L requirements without compromise.

As Lutron dealers with over a decade of experience, we work with architects, interior designers, and M&E consultants to specify and install hotel lighting control across the UK. From boutique properties to major refurbishments, we provide the technical support and installation expertise your project needs.

Call us on 0333 050 9906

Why specify Lutron for hotel projects

Lutron has been developing lighting control technology for over 60 years. Their systems are installed in hotels worldwide — from independent boutiques to major international chains. Here's why specifiers consistently choose Lutron:

Protocol flexibility

Lutron systems integrate with DALI-2, DMX512, 0-10V, and BACnet — connecting seamlessly with third-party luminaires and building management systems. This flexibility means you're not locked into proprietary fixtures.

Aesthetic options that satisfy designers

Palladiom keypads offer hand-finished metal, glass, and polymer options with custom engraving. Sunnata provides a contemporary alternative. With over 30 finishes available, there's an option for every interior scheme.

Reliability that reduces callbacks

Lutron's Clear Connect RF technology and robust wired infrastructure deliver the reliability hotels demand. Systems installed a decade ago continue to perform without issue — critical for properties where lighting failures directly impact guest satisfaction.

Integrated shade control

Sivoia automated blinds integrate directly with lighting scenes. Coordinated control of light and shade maximises daylight harvesting while maintaining guest comfort and privacy.

UK support when you need it

Lutron provides dedicated project support from specification through commissioning. As certified installers, we extend that support with local expertise and ongoing maintenance.

Hotel lighting control by space.

Lobby and reception

First impressions matter. Lobby lighting needs to transition smoothly from bright and welcoming during morning check-ins to warm and intimate in the evening.

Typical specification:

Multiple lighting layers: ambient, accent, and task
Automated timeclock scheduling with seasonal adjustment
Daylight harvesting within 6 metres of glazing (Part L requirement)
Scene control for staff: "Morning," "Afternoon," "Evening," "Night"
200-300 lux at reception desk, dropping to 100-150 lux in evening mode

Recommended products: HomeWorks QS for comprehensive control, Palladiom keypads for reception desk, occupancy sensors for back corridors.

Restaurant and bar

Dining spaces require the greatest scene flexibility — bright for breakfast service, daylight-maximised at lunch, gradually transitioning to intimate evening ambience.

Typical specification:

Deep dimming to 1% for evening service
Warm dim colour shift (3000K to 2200K) as levels reduce
30+ second transition times between scenes
Separate zones for bar, dining, and private areas
Task lighting at tables with controlled spill

Recommended products: HomeWorks QS with DALI-2 for fixture flexibility, Ketra tunable white for colour-critical applications, Sivoia shades for daylight management.

Conference and event spaces

Flexible spaces need lighting that adapts to multiple configurations — from boardroom meetings to wedding receptions.

Typical specification:

Presentation mode: reduced ambient with speaker illumination
Video conferencing: flattering face lighting at 3000-3500K
Banquet mode: theatrical accent lighting
AV integration: one-touch scene recall coordinated with projection
Partition sensing for flexible room configurations
300-500 lux for task-focused activities

Recommended products: HomeWorks QS with partition sensing, DMX interface for architectural features, automated shade control for blackout.

Spa and wellness

Relaxation spaces require very low light levels, warm colour temperatures, and indirect sources only.

Typical specification:

Ambient levels as low as 10-20 lux
Maximum colour temperature 3000K, ideally 2200-2700K
Individual control per treatment room
Quick "bright mode" for room turnaround and cleaning
IP-rated fixtures and controls near water features

Recommended products: HomeWorks QS with waterproof keypads, Ketra for precise colour control, individual room dimming.

Corridors and circulation

Circulation spaces offer significant energy savings through intelligent control while maintaining safety and wayfinding.

Typical specification:

Occupancy sensors reducing to setback levels when unoccupied
Gradual fade-up on detection (not instant switching)
Emergency lighting integration per BS 5266-1
Typical energy savings: 40-60% versus always-on
Maintained illumination for fire escape routes

Recommended products: Vive wireless sensors for retrofit, HomeWorks QS for new build, emergency lighting integration.

Back of house

Staff areas, kitchens, and service corridors have distinct requirements focused on compliance, durability, and simple operation.

Typical specification:

Automatic off when unoccupied (Part L mandatory)
High task illumination in kitchens (500 lux minimum)
Time scheduling for predictable occupancy areas
Daylight harvesting near windows and loading bays
Robust, cleanable fixtures and simple controls

Recommended products: Vive wireless for cost-effective compliance, occupancy sensors throughout, time-clock scheduling.

Part L compliance for hotel lighting

Efficacy requirements

General lighting must achieve a minimum 95 luminaire lumens per circuit-watt, or demonstrate compliance via the LENI (Lighting Energy Numerical Indicator) method. Display lighting requires 80 lumens per circuit-watt or must not exceed 0.3W per square metre.

These targets are readily achievable with quality LED luminaires and appropriate control — but require consideration at specification stage.

Mandatory control requirements

Part L paragraph 6.63 requires automatic controls to switch lighting off when spaces are unoccupied. For occupied spaces, automatic controls must be provided where suitable.

Paragraph 6.64 mandates daylight-linked controls (switching or dimming) for areas receiving significant natural light — defined as within 6 metres of window walls or beneath rooflights covering 10% or more of the ceiling.

Metering requirements

Part L requires energy metering for all general and display lighting. This can be achieved via:

Dedicated kWh meters per circuit
Local power meters integrated with lighting controllers
A lighting management system that calculates energy consumed and makes data available to BMS

Lutron systems with energy monitoring satisfy this final option — potentially eliminating the need for separate metering on every circuit. This simplifies installation and reduces costs while maintaining full compliance.

CIBSE recommended lux levels

For reference, CIBSE SLL Handbook recommends these maintained illuminance levels for hotel spaces:

Entrance hall / lobby — 200 lux, UGR 22
Reception desk — 300-500 lux, UGR 19
Corridors — 100 lux, UGR 25
Guest rooms (general) — 100–200 lux, UGR 22
Restaurants / dining — 300 lux, UGR 22
Kitchens — 500 lux, UGR 22
Conference rooms — 300–500 lux, UGR 19
Back-of-house offices — 500 lux, UGR 19

Lutron systems for hotel applications

We work with Lutron's commercial and residential product ranges to deliver the right solution for each project.

HomeWorks QS

Lutron's flagship system for comprehensive whole-building control. HomeWorks QS handles unlimited zones, integrates with DALI-2 and DMX, and provides the programming flexibility that complex hotel projects demand.

Best for: New build hotels, major refurbishments, properties requiring sophisticated scene control and BMS integration.

Sivoia shading

Automated blinds and curtains that integrate directly with lighting control. Sivoia offers roller blinds, curtain tracks, and blackout solutions with silent operation and precise positioning.

Best for: Guest rooms, restaurants, conference spaces, anywhere daylight management matters.

Palladiom keypads

Architectural-grade controls with hand-finished aesthetics. Available in metal, glass, and polymer finishes with custom button engraving. The matching Palladiom thermostat provides visual consistency.

Best for: Public areas, reception desks, restaurant controls — anywhere aesthetics are critical.

Vive wireless

Commercial wireless control system ideal for retrofits and phased installations. Vive integrates with larger Lutron systems and supports occupancy sensors, daylight harvesting, and time scheduling.

Best for: Refurbishment projects, heritage buildings, phased upgrades, back-of-house areas.

Specification support

We provide practical support throughout the specification and installation process:

Early-stage consultation1

Discuss control strategies, product selection, and budget parameters before designs are finalised. We're happy to attend design team meetings.

Technical specification review2

Review lighting control specifications for completeness, identify potential issues, and suggest alternatives where appropriate.

Product schedules and data sheets3

Provide detailed equipment schedules, technical data sheets, and installation requirements for tender documentation.

BIM objects and CAD files4

Access to Lutron's comprehensive library of BIM families and CAD blocks for your project models.

NBS specification clauses5

Standard specification text compatible with NBS building and NBS create platforms.

CPD presentations6

We can deliver CPD sessions on hotel lighting control, Part L compliance, and Lutron technology for your team.

Commissioning and handover7

Full system commissioning, staff training, and comprehensive handover documentation.

UK hospitality projects

[WORK IN PROGRESS - This section will feature Modal AV's hotel and hospitality case studies. Projects to be added.]

We're building our portfolio of UK hotel lighting control projects. If you'd like to discuss how we've approached similar challenges, please get in touch — we're happy to share relevant experience.

Why work with

Modal AV

HomeWorks Certified Programmer

Our programmers hold Lutron's highest residential certification, with training completed at Lutron's London Experience Centre.

RA3 and Sivoia certified

Full certification across Lutron's professional wireless and shading product ranges.

10+ years Lutron experience

We've been specifying and installing Lutron systems for over a decade, building deep expertise across residential and commercial applications.

CEDIA member

We're members of CEDIA, the global trade association for the home technology industry.

Specification to installation

Unlike specification-only consultants, we install and commission the systems we specify. This end-to-end responsibility means practical, buildable designs.

UK-based support

Based in Maidenhead, we serve London and the Home Counties with responsive local support.

Common questions about hotel lighting control

How early should lighting control be specified?

Ideally at RIBA Stage 2-3. Early involvement allows control strategies to inform the lighting design, ensures adequate infrastructure provision, and avoids costly retrofits. We're happy to join design team meetings from concept stage.

What's the typical cost for hotel lighting control?

Costs vary significantly based on scope and specification. As a rough guide, expect £50-150 per square metre for public areas with comprehensive scene control, less for back-of-house with basic compliance-focused automation. We provide detailed quotations based on your specific requirements.

Can Lutron integrate with our BMS?

Yes. Lutron systems support BACnet IP integration for building management system connectivity. Energy data, occupancy status, and scene feedback can be shared with the BMS for centralised monitoring and reporting.

What about retrofit and refurbishment projects?

Lutron Vive wireless is specifically designed for retrofit applications — no new wiring required. We regularly install in occupied hotels with minimal disruption, working around operational schedules.

How does Lutron compare to KNX or DALI-only systems?

Lutron provides a complete ecosystem — processors, keypads, sensors, and shades — with consistent programming and support. KNX offers flexibility but requires more integration effort. DALI-only approaches lack the scene control sophistication and aesthetic keypad options that Lutron provides. Many projects use Lutron as the control brain with DALI-2 connectivity to third-party luminaires.

Do you provide CPD presentations?

Yes. We can deliver CPD sessions on hotel lighting control, Part L compliance requirements, and Lutron technology. Sessions can be tailored to architects, interior designers, or M&E engineers. Contact us to arrange.

What specification documentation do you provide?

We provide full equipment schedules, technical data sheets, installation requirements, NBS-compatible specification clauses, and access to Lutron's BIM/CAD library. We can also review and comment on specifications prepared by others.

What ongoing support is available after installation?

We offer maintenance packages covering preventive checks, firmware updates, and priority response. Lutron systems are remarkably reliable, but we're here when adjustments or additions are needed.