UniFi for Hospitality: The Marathon Retreat Case Study

Introduction

The Marathon Retreat, a breathtaking AirBnB/VRBO property located in Marathon Florida, which is the heart of the Florida Keys. The Marathon Retreat needed reliable connectivity across 40,000 square feet of hospitality space. They hosted corporate gatherings and personal getaways, so their guests demanded stable and secure internet. Their previous network provider left them with poor coverage and frequent downtime. The system that was in place before was an odd combination of Pakedge, UniFi,

The Marathon Retreat contacted The UniFi Nerds for professional help. We have a specialized team for UniFi and hospitality instances, and we offer nationwide service. Our team focuses on structured cabling, remote monitoring, and tailored installations. We took immediate action to assess and rebuild their flawed system.

Property Background

This retreat includes multiple unattached buildings set among dense foliage. Each structure supports guests who require seamless connectivity for both work and play. Corporate clients rely on video conferencing, file sharing, and real-time collaboration. Leisure guests value uninterrupted streaming, gaming, and social media access. The Marathon Retreat needed a solution that united every building under one network. They also needed centralized management and strong security policies. The new system had to support high usage and maintain optimal speeds.

Challenges

The Marathon Retreat faced several major hurdles. First, the property required a secure network for guests and staff spread across many buildings. Second, the existing installation was incomplete and poorly configured. Third, the site’s foliage and long distances made traditional cabling difficult. Fourth, their original network lacked proper security measures, leading to potential vulnerabilities. Fifth, frequent service disruptions tarnished the guest experience and caused management headaches. Each challenge demanded a customized solution.

The UniFi for Hospitality Assessment

We began with an on-site walkthrough to identify existing equipment and infrastructure. We examined each building’s layout and checked for cabling pitfalls. We found mismatched hardware and outdated wiring from the prior installer. We also discovered incorrect access point placements that caused weak signals. Our team tested wireless performance in each building, noting interference from trees and structural barriers. We recorded coverage gaps that left guests offline in crucial areas. Our assessment helped us design a comprehensive plan to upgrade coverage and speed..

The Proposed Solution

We recommended a unified UniFi deployment that leveraged both wired and wireless connections. We chose the UniFi Dream Machine as the core controller and gateway. This device simplified network management with an intuitive interface. We proposed five 48-Port Pro PoE switches to power over 50 access points and bridging devices. These switches would centralize traffic while ensuring each device had sufficient bandwidth. We specified UniFi Building-to-Building Bridges to link distant structures without trenching cables. We also included UISP antennas to handle tough outdoor links. Our solution emphasized stable coverage, strong security, and easy scalability. Therefore.

Implementation

We replaced outdated cables with high-quality Cat6 and fiber where needed. Our team placed 42 UniFi access points between 5 buildings. We also utilized UniFi Building to Buildings to connect distant spaces. This eliminated blind spots and boosted wireless capacity. We configured VLANs to separate guest traffic from internal operations. This design protected sensitive information while letting guests browse securely. We tuned each wireless bridge to overcome foliage interference and extended coverage to remote buildings. We also optimized channel widths and power levels to reduce signal overlap. Our engineers performed rigorous testing before handing off the network. Consequently.

The previous installer’s mistakes demanded extra care. We rerouted cables that had been placed incorrectly. We repositioned access points that had been tucked into corners. We also checked electrical grounding and surge protection, especially for outdoor links. This thorough approach prevented future failures and minimized environmental interference. Some of the access points were mounted improperly.  We completed the entire rollout within the agreed timeline*.

Results

The Marathon Retreat saw an immediate jump in network reliability. Their staff no longer fielded complaints about dropped connections. Guests could roam from building to building without losing signal. Corporate clients streamed video conferences with zero buffering. Leisure visitors enjoyed streaming services and online games. Meanwhile, the new VLAN architecture ensured greater data security. Our UniFi Dream Machine provided remote monitoring and real-time insights. We offered ongoing support to track performance and address any anomalies.

The property manager appreciated the network’s stability and speed. They also praised our structured cabling work and neat installations. By centralizing the switches, we simplified future expansions. If the Retreat adds more buildings, the system can easily accommodate them. The improved coverage and security boosted The Marathon Retreat’s reputation among corporate clients. Their brand image benefited from dependable connectivity and fewer support calls.

Testimonial

After one year of service, the property manager shared glowing feedback. They recalled calling tech support at least twice a week under the old setup. Since 2022, there is 0 contact to our help desk. Why? It’s because the system just works. We monitor their network around the clock, so we often resolve minor issues before the staff even notices. The manager called the outcome “pretty flawless” and commended our proactive approach. This validation underscored the value of a properly designed UniFi for hospitality deployment.

Key Lessons in UniFi For Hospitality

Our work at The Marathon Retreat highlights the power of an expert-led installation. Proper cabling and hardware choices eliminate dead zones and chronic outages. VLAN segmentation protects guests and staff from data leaks. Outdoor bridging can conquer distance and foliage when properly deployed. Proactive monitoring reduces downtime and prevents larger incidents. Detailed documentation helps on-site staff manage routine tasks. A well-structured network builds trust and encourages repeat business for hospitality providers.

Conclusion

The Marathon Retreat now enjoys fast, secure, and stable Wi-Fi across all buildings. This transformation would not have been possible without professional planning and execution. Our UniFi for hospitality solution combined structured cabling, carefully placed access points, and powerful bridging. We addressed every challenge from long distances to outdated hardware. The result speaks for itself in both guest satisfaction and management relief. If you manage a similar property and face network challenges, consider The UniFi Nerds. We offer free consultations in all 50 states and specialize in designing secure, high-performance systems. Contact us today to learn how we can elevate your network..

*: Leadership @ The Retreat allowed our entire crew to stay on premise during each phase of the installation for days at a time. While we didn’t get a chance to partake in any of the amenities offered, we definitely recommend the property for any corporate or family getaway.