Multi-zone hotel audio upgrade delivered at speed and scale.
Crowne Plaza London Docklands
This case study looks at how we upgraded and reimagined a hotel restaurant audio system – delivering improved coverage, flexibility and control within a tight turnaround window.
About Crowne Plaza London Docklands
Crowne Plaza London Docklands is a well-established hotel located in the Royal Victoria Docks, serving a mix of business travellers, event guests and leisure visitors.
With multiple public-facing spaces – including a busy restaurant, bar, and external terrace – the venue needed an audio system that could enhance atmosphere while remaining subtle, consistent and easy to manage for staff.
MSL were introduced via the main contractor during an ongoing refurbishment, creating an opportunity to review and significantly improve the existing AV setup.
The Project
The initial brief centred around upgrading the audio system within the hotel’s restaurant and bar areas.
The existing setup suffered from inconsistent coverage, ageing equipment and areas with poor sound quality. The goal was to create a more cohesive, high-quality audio experience across all customer-facing zones – while also introducing better control and flexibility for staff.
The project also included integrating TV audio into the system, allowing the venue to seamlessly switch between background music and live broadcast content when needed.
The Challenges
One of the main challenges was the pace of the project. MSL were brought in mid-way through the wider refurbishment, meaning there was a very limited window to assess the existing system, design a solution, and deliver it on site. From initial consultation to approval, timelines were extremely tight, requiring rapid design turnaround and close coordination with on-site contractors.
The existing infrastructure also presented challenges. Rather than starting from scratch, the system needed to be upgraded intelligently – retaining and repurposing usable equipment where possible, while addressing gaps in coverage and performance. Achieving consistent sound across multiple zones, each with different use cases, required careful planning around speaker placement, zoning and control.
The Solution
MSL delivered a fully upgraded, multi-zone audio system designed to improve coverage, flexibility and ease of use – while blending seamlessly into the venue’s interior.
Speakers & Audio Coverage
The existing speaker setup was replaced with a higher quantity of compact Optimal Audio speakers, significantly improving coverage across the restaurant.
By increasing the number of smaller speakers, MSL achieved a more even distribution of sound – eliminating dead spots and reducing the need for high volume levels. This created a more comfortable, consistent listening experience throughout the space.
Where appropriate, existing Bose speakers were retained and repurposed into other areas of the hotel – maximising value while improving overall system performance.
Zoning & User Control
The system was divided into four clearly defined zones, including entrance areas, main restaurant spaces, private dining and the external terrace.
Each zone was equipped with its own local control interface, allowing staff to easily adjust volume levels or select audio sources depending on the time of day or service style.
This approach gave the venue full flexibility – whether creating a relaxed dining atmosphere or a more vibrant bar setting – without adding operational complexity.
Amplification & System Integration
At the core of the system is a dedicated multi-zone mixer and amplification setup, providing centralised control over all audio inputs and outputs.
The system supports multiple audio sources, including background music, TV audio, microphones and local inputs – allowing seamless switching between different use cases across the venue.
Careful system tuning and programming ensured optimal performance across all zones, while maintaining reliability and long-term stability.
TV & AV Integration
As part of the upgrade, the team here at MSL also implemented a video distribution system to integrate TV content into the wider AV setup.
This allows broadcast audio to be routed through the main sound system when required – enhancing flexibility for events, sports screenings and busy service periods.
Training & Support
Following installation, MSL provided on-site training to ensure staff could confidently operate the system from day one.
The focus was on simplicity – giving the team intuitive control over zones, volume and source selection, without needing technical knowledge.
Ongoing support and maintenance form part of MSL’s wider relationship with the venue, ensuring the system continues to perform at its best.
Why Middlesex Sound & Lighting?
MSL was selected based on our ability to respond quickly, work collaboratively with contractors, and deliver a high-quality solution within a tight timeframe.
Our experience in multi-zone hospitality environments meant we could design a system that balanced performance with usability – creating a seamless customer experience while keeping day-to-day operation simple.
