Hotel Paso del Norte among first hotels to open with virus-killing air filtration system
In El Paso, Texas, a stunning historic hotel built in 1912, Hotel Paso del Norte (Marriott Autograph Collection), has been undergoing a multi-million-dollar, multi-year renovation to bring it to the grandeur of yesteryear with a wide array of modern amenities. As part of the final touches before re-opening later this year, the hotel will be among the world’s first Marriott Autograph Collection Hotels to install a state-of-the-art air filtration system throughout the hotel’s entire HVAC system. The Plasma Air system has been shown to kill 99% of bacteriophage in the air after 10 minutes of use. Common areas, bars, restaurants, hallways, ballrooms, meeting rooms, spa and fitness rooms, and all guest rooms will utilize the filtration system shown to kill viruses through ionization.
This is a much-needed asset for locals and travelers in search of safe options rich with history and culture. Nestled aside the Franklin mountains of El Paso, Hotel Paso del Norte brings a distinct sense of luxury to this cultured cowboy destination where Texas and the Southwest converge. The property is noted on the National Register of Historic Places and captures the soul of El Paso with art, history, and numerous culinary offerings that offer the distinct flavors of the region. Native American carvings, a bronze statue of Mexican General Pancho Villa and a 25-foot Tiffany-style stained-glass dome ceiling are among the hotel’s architectural treasures.
“We are among the First Marriott Autograph hotels in the world to install a system that cleans air to this level,” said Carlos Sarmiento, General Manager of Hotel Paso del Norte. “Being in the renovation process when this crisis occurred gave us the unique opportunity to implement additional safety features before opening our doors. When we undertook this project; we were prepared to restore the 108-year-old property’s architectural elements, create stunning event spaces and amenities, and curate a distinct culinary destination—but Covid-19 gave us the need to enhance air quality in all areas of the hotel.”
Made by Plasma Air, the system being installed at Hotel Paso del Norte features HVAC-mounted ionizers that use proactive air purification technologies to deactivate airborne viruses safely. The system incorporates bipolar ionization, which creates millions of positive and negative ions, a proven method for virus destruction. Tested in simulated hospital ICUs and hotels used to house medical personnel in isolation during the pandemic, the Plasma Air system was shown to reduce 99% of bacteriophage after only 10 minutes of exposure to ionization.
“In 2020, there is no amenity greater than safety,” added Sarmiento. “Reopening during a pandemic means that offering an authentic destination experience is not enough. It’s imperative that we employ advanced safety precautions to promote health and peace of mind. Then guests will truly be able to enjoy this beautiful hotel.”
