Genelec sets a new standard at the Grand Joanne hotel in Copenhagen

A fusion of Scandinavian design with sound technology Genelec Smart IP enables the iconic Vesterbro hotel to offer an unforgettable experience to its guests.

He hotel Grand Joanne It is a tribute to Scandinavian design, just steps from Copenhagen's Tivoli Gardens. Reopened with a new vision from hospitality specialists Midstar AB, combines heritage, lifestyle, fashion and design in a beautifully restored 19th century building. At the heart of its new reopening is a state-of-the-art Smart IP speaker solution from Genelec that delivers tailored sound in every corner.

The consulting and integration company The effect group was in charge of giving life to another vision for Midstar. Once the renewal is completed, the hotel offers its clients a unique experience in which food converges, the drink, music and culture.

“We always start by knowing the client's expectations regarding the aesthetics and functionality of the sound system.. At first, we designed custom speakers that matched the decor, but we soon realized that the sound quality was not up to par.. Impeccable audio was a priority for the hotel, so we decided to switch to Genelec. With its Smart IP network speaker technology, We knew we would achieve top-quality sound that, at the same time, “it would look great”, explains Fredrik Nordström, project manager at Effektgruppen.

The comprehensive Smart IP system consists of 26 compact speakers 4420, 29 of the models 4430, a little bigger, plus seven studio subwoofers 7050. These are strategically located in all public areas, including the lobby, the restaurant, the bar and the gym.

“Each Smart IP speaker, Known for its unparalleled quality and innovation, works on the network as a standalone unit, allowing us to adapt the sound to each environment with precision. This ensures that every space in the hotel benefits from the highest quality sound.”, adds Nordström.

Located in the lively Vesterbro district and surrounded by a vibrant bar community, restaurants and boutique shops, the Grand Joanne hotel reflects the creative and relaxed culture of Copenhagen. Their 162 rooms, distributed over six floors, They present a mix of Art Deco influences and Scandinavian simplicity.

The hotel is also home to Joanne's, a popular restaurant serving modern Italian dishes from breakfast to dinner, and a rooftop bar on the sixth floor, where guests can enjoy cocktails and light snacks with city views. A yoga studio, a gym and several meeting rooms also benefit from Genelec's advanced Smart IP audio systems.

“In the lobby, we install 11 altavoces Genelec 4420 Smart IP paired with two studio subwoofers 7050. This creates a surround sound experience as soon as guests enter, setting the tone of your stay”, commented Nordström. “This same attention to audio quality extends to the bar and restaurant. Joanne's has eight speakers 4430 and a subwoofer 7050, providing background music for daily service or live events, while the adjacent bar is equipped with seven speakers 4430 further, plus another subwoofer 7050, for a perfect listening experience”.

The entire system is built on a Dante network with sound distribution through a BSS DSP. To completely optimize the sound experience, Genelec Smart IP Manager software is used to individually calibrate and adjust the delay and equalization of each speaker.

“We also created some custom touch panels at various points so staff can easily adjust sound levels.”. This is particularly useful in the gym and yoga studios, since all the audiovisual elements can be modified according to the intensity of the class”, affirms Fredrik Nordström.

Thanks to Genelec Smart IP technology, the system is not only high performance, but also very efficient.

“Each speaker requires a single network cable, that provides food, audio and management, which greatly simplifies the installation process”, adds Nordström. “This configuration enhances the hotel's design by maintaining a sleek and minimalist look, while maintaining a perfect balance between form and function”.

With Genelec's Smart IP audio solution as the central axis, the hotel offers consistent, high-quality sound that complements its bespoke interiors.