What hotels have smart TVs? Answer is – Many major hotel chains now equip their rooms with smart TVs. Hotels like Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, and InterContinental Hotel Group (IHG) have been steadily upgrading to include smart TVs in their rooms. These TVs offer guests the convenience of streaming their favorite shows and movies from popular services like Netflix, Hulu, and YouTube directly on the TV.

What Hotels Have Smart TVs?

What is a smart TV?

Think of a smart TV as a giant smartphone or tablet integrated into your television. Smart TVs connect directly to the internet, either through WiFi or an ethernet cable, and have a built-in operating system.

This lets you run apps, stream content, browse the web, and much more – all without needing extra devices.

Key features that make a TV “smart” include:

Streaming Apps: Access popular services like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, YouTube, and more directly from your TV’s interface.

Screen Mirroring: Wirelessly display your smartphone, tablet, or laptop screen on the TV for sharing photos, videos, or presentations.

Voice Control: Some smart TVs integrate with Alexa or Google Assistant, letting you search content, change channels, or even control smart home devices with your voice.

Web Browsing: While not as comfortable as your computer, a smart TV lets you browse the internet in a pinch when you need it.

Why do smart TVs matter in hotels?

Smart TVs in hotel rooms significantly transform the guest experience for the better.

Here’s why they’re becoming the new standard:

Personalized Entertainment: Guests miss the comfort of their home entertainment setup when traveling. With smart TVs, they can seamlessly log in to their own streaming subscriptions, picking up right where they left off on their favorite shows and movies. This avoids the limitations of traditional in-room hotel entertainment.

Increased Convenience: It’s eliminating the hassle of figuring out unfamiliar cable systems and clunky pay-per-view movie services. Smart TVs provide an intuitive interface most guests are already comfortable with.

Enhanced Comfort: Feeling like you’re at a home-away-from-home is a significant draw for travelers. Familiar streaming platforms provide a sense of continuity and reduce friction during their stay.

Potential for Unique Features: Imagine ordering room service, booking spa appointments, or checking hotel information directly through the on-screen interface—this is the future smart TVs could enable.

Hotels with Smart TVs

1. Marriott

Overview of Marriott’s smart TV platform

Marriott has been a pioneer in embracing smart TVs across its vast portfolio of hotel brands. Their “Internet TV” platform is designed to be straightforward and accessible to guests of all tech-savviness levels.

Here’s what you can expect:

Streamlined Login: Effortlessly connect to popular streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and more. No complicated interfaces – just use your existing subscriptions.

Automatic Logout: Marriott understands privacy concerns. Their system automatically logs you out of your accounts when you check out of the hotel ensuring your data stays secure.

Beyond Entertainment: While streaming is the core feature, Marriott is exploring ways to use smart TVs for hotel information, guest requests, and tailored services in the future.

Specific Marriott brands with smart TVs (e.g., Ritz Carlton, Courtyard)

Marriott’s commitment to smart TVs is widespread. You’re likely to find them in the majority of their brands, including:

Luxury:

• Ritz-Carlton
• JW Marriott
• St. Regis
• The Luxury Collection

Lifestyle:

• W Hotels
• EDITION
• Renaissance Hotels

Premium:

• Marriott Hotels
• Sheraton
• Westin
• Delta Hotels

Select Service:

• Courtyard by Marriott
• Four Points by Sheraton
• Aloft
• AC Hotels

Longer Stays:

• Residence Inn
• TownePlace Suites
• Element

2. Hilton

Hilton’s approach to smart TVs

Hilton’s approach to smart TV implementation focuses on ease of use and a touch of personalization. Similar to Marriott, they offer seamless access to popular streaming platforms with some additional features:

“Cast” Your Content: Many Hilton smart TVs support screencasting technologies like Chromecast or Miracast. This allows you to easily stream content (photos, videos, presentations) from your phone or laptop to the big screen.

Remember Your Device: If you plan on multiple stays within the Hilton family, the system can conveniently “remember” your device after the initial pairing. This streamlines the login process on future visits.

The Hilton Honors App: Hilton is exploring ways to integrate their Hilton Honors app with smart TVs for room controls, ordering services, and hotel information in the future.

Hilton brands with smart TVs (e.g., Waldorf Astoria, Hampton Inn)

You’re likely to encounter smart TVs in a wide range of Hilton brands spanning several categories:

Luxury:

• Waldorf Astoria
• Conrad
• LXR Hotels & Resorts

Lifestyle:

• Canopy by Hilton
• Motto by Hilton

Full-Service:

• Hilton Hotels & Resorts
• Curio Collection
• DoubleTree
• Embassy Suites

Focused Service:

• Hampton Inn
• Hilton Garden Inn
• Tru by Hilton

3. Hyatt

Hyatt’s smart TV features

Hyatt has partnered with Google Chromecast to power its in-room entertainment experience, known as STAYCAST.

This offers a user-friendly and versatile approach to smart TV functionality:

Effortless Casting: The core of STAYCAST is the ability to “cast” content from your smartphone, tablet, or laptop directly to the TV. This opens up a huge range of possibilities beyond traditional streaming services.

Supported Apps: Any app on your device that supports Chromecast (Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, YouTube, Spotify, etc.) will work seamlessly with STAYCAST.

Beyond Entertainment: Cast your favorite workout videos, pull up business presentations, or even display family photos on the big screen.

Privacy Focus: Unlike some platforms, STAYCAST doesn’t require you to sign in with personal accounts directly on the TV. Your content is streamed from your device, ensuring your data stays secure.

Hyatt brands with smart TVs (e.g., Park Hyatt, Hyatt Place)

Hyatt is actively rolling out STAYCAST across its wide variety of brands. You can expect to find these smart TVs in the following:

Luxury:

• Park Hyatt
• Andaz
• Alila
• Thompson Hotels

Lifestyle:

• Caption by Hyatt
• Hyatt Centric

Premium:

• Hyatt Regency
• Hyatt House

Select Service

• Hyatt Place

4. InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG)

IHG’s smart TV offerings

IHG takes a pragmatic approach to smart TVs, balancing guest convenience with a focus on core entertainment. Their systems tend to be straightforward and offer the key features that provide the most value to travelers:

Popular Apps: Guests can access popular streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and others directly on the TV. Sign in with your existing accounts for a seamless experience.

Screen Mirroring (Brand Specific): Some IHG brands support screen mirroring technologies, allowing you to cast content from your mobile devices to the TV. This functionality might vary depending on the specific hotel chain within the IHG family.

IHG Studio: In select hotels, IHG is rolling out a custom platform called IHG Studio. This integrates streaming apps with the ability to order room service, make hotel requests, and access information, all through the TV interface.

IHG brands with smart TVs (e.g., Holiday Inn, Crowne Plaza)

The availability of smart TVs within IHG is widespread, and you can expect to find them in brands like:

Luxury & Lifestyle

• InterContinental
• Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants
• Hotel Indigo

Premium:

• Crowne Plaza
• EVEN Hotels
• voco Hotels

Essentials:

• Holiday Inn
• Holiday Inn Express
• avid hotels

Suites:

• Candlewood Suites,
• Staybridge Suites

5. Other Hotel Chains

Smaller chains and independent hotels with smart TVs

While major hotel chains often set the trends in technology adoption, don’t underestimate the tech-savviness of smaller chains and independent properties.

Many are recognizing the importance of smart TVs in meeting guest expectations.

What to expect:

• Focus on Streaming: Smaller hotels typically focus on offering access to major streaming platforms. This is the feature guests value most and is relatively simple to implement.
• Brand Partnerships: Some smaller chains might partner with specific smart TV or technology brands to streamline the experience across their hotels. This helps ensure consistency for guests.
• Boutique Hotels Lead the Way: Boutique hotels, known for unique experiences, are often early adopters of innovative smart TV features. You might find custom interfaces, integration with hotel apps, or even niche streaming services catering to their specific clientele.
• Independent Variation: Independent hotels have the most flexibility. Some might have top-of-the-line smart TV experiences, while others keep it simple with basic setups.

How to Find Hotels with Smart TVs

1. Hotel websites

The Gold Standard: A hotel’s own website is the most reliable place to get up-to-date information on their amenities.

Where to Look: Check sections like “Rooms,” “Amenities,” or “Technology.” Hotels proud of their smart TVs often highlight them prominently.

Keywords: Search for terms like “smart TV,” “streaming,” “Netflix,” or “screen mirroring” on the website.

Visual Clues: Look for images of the rooms that clearly show a smart TV interface or mention streaming apps in the captions.

2. Online travel agencies (OTAs)

Convenient Comparison: Sites like Expedia, Booking.com, and Kayak are great for comparing multiple hotels side-by-side.

Filter Your Search: Most OTAs have filters for amenities. Look for “smart TV” or “internet TV” options.

Caveat: OTA information isn’t always 100% accurate. It’s best to double-check with the hotel website for the most current info, especially for smaller or independent hotels.

3. Hotel reviews

The Guest Perspective: Websites like TripAdvisor or Google Reviews can offer valuable insights from other travelers.

Search Smartly: Use the search bar within reviews to look for mentions of “smart TV,” “streaming,” or specific apps.

Recent is Best: Prioritize newer reviews, as hotel technology upgrades happen frequently.

A Grain of Salt: Individual reviews can be subjective. Look for a pattern of multiple guests mentioning smart TVs to get a more reliable picture.

Benefits of Staying at Hotels with Smart TVs

1. Access to your favorite streaming services

No More Subscription FOMO: Avoid the frustration of missing out on your favorite shows and movies while traveling. Log into your usual Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, etc., accounts, and effortlessly pick up where you left off.

Beyond Entertainment: Access isn’t just about TV series. Stream workout apps, language learning programs, or even audiobooks for convenient self-improvement during your stay.

Broader Content: Many hotels offer basic cable, limiting your options. Smart TVs open up a world of entertainment, including international streaming platforms catering to your interests.

2. Personalized entertainment

Your Content, Your Way: Smart TVs let you curate your viewing experience exactly as you like it at home. Forget generic hotel channels and create your own perfect watchlist.

Familiar Comfort: There’s something reassuring about logging into your streaming profiles, surrounded by your preferred settings and recommendations.

Niche Entertainment: If you like independent films, documentaries, or content in other languages, smart TVs usually offer far greater choice than traditional hotel options.

3. Enhanced comfort and convenience

Eliminating Hassle: No more struggling with unfamiliar remotes, complex cable interfaces, or limited pay-per-view options. Smart TVs offer an intuitive experience most guests are familiar with.

Beyond the TV: Screen mirroring or casting features let you seamlessly share content from your phone or laptop on the larger screen, enhancing both work and play.

Feels Like Home: The ability to access your familiar entertainment creates a sense of continuity and reduces the feeling of being disconnected when traveling.

What Does It Mean for Hotel Guests

1. Changing landscape of in-room entertainment

The End of “Hotel TV”: Generic cable packages and limited movie rentals are becoming a thing of the past. Smart TVs usher in an era of unlimited, personalized content choices.

Guest Expectations: As smart TVs become the norm, travelers will naturally expect them. Hotels without this feature might start to feel outdated.

Niche Catering: Hotels can leverage smart TVs to cater to specific interests. Imagine a hotel curating a streaming library of classic cinema or providing international content for a diverse clientele.

2. More control over viewing experience

Beyond Choice: It’s not just about what you watch but how you watch it. Smart TVs let you adjust settings, create profiles, and access features like closed captions or dubbed audio in multiple languages.

No Learning Curve: Most guests are already familiar with how smart TVs and streaming services work. This eliminates the frustration of figuring out unfamiliar hotel entertainment systems.

Content as Comfort: The power to control your viewing experience directly contributes to a sense of relaxation and autonomy, especially for frequent travelers.

Conclusion

The rise of smart TVs in hotel rooms represents a significant step forward for both guest experience and the hospitality industry as a whole.

No longer confined to limited cable channels and clunky interfaces, guests now enjoy a level of personalization and control over their entertainment that was previously impossible.

From the convenience of logging into your favorite streaming services to casting your own content and the potential for future hotel service integrations, smart TVs transform the hotel room into a more adaptable and comfortable space.

As the technology continues to advance, expect the lines between in-room entertainment and overall guest experience to blur even further.

For travelers, this means carefully considering a hotel’s smart TV offerings when making a booking decision.

Whether you’re a leisure traveler seeking familiar comforts, a business traveler needing flexibility for presentations, or someone looking for a unique entertainment experience, smart TVs are quickly becoming an essential amenity.

FAQs

Q: Are smart TVs available in all hotels?

While smart TVs are rapidly growing in popularity, they’re not yet universal. Major hotel chains are leading the way, with smaller chains and independent hotels also catching up. Always research the specific hotel you’re interested in or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information.

Q: Do I need to bring my own streaming subscriptions?

Yes! Hotel smart TVs provide the platform, but you’ll need your existing subscriptions to Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and similar services to access their content.

Q: Are there any security concerns with using my accounts on a hotel smart TV?

Reputable hotels take this seriously. Systems are usually designed to automatically log you out upon checkout for privacy. For extra peace of mind, you can always change your passwords after your stay.

Q: Can I connect my own devices to the hotel’s smart TV?

This depends on the hotel’s setup. Many support screen mirroring or casting from your phone, laptop, or tablet. Others might have HDMI ports for plugging in your devices. Check the hotel’s website or inquire directly.

Q: What if I’m not tech-savvy?

Don’t worry! Hotels strive to make their smart TV systems user-friendly. If you’re familiar with streaming services at home, you’ll likely find the hotel’s system fairly intuitive. Hotel staff are usually happy to assist if needed.

Q: Will smart TVs make hotels more expensive?

The potential exists, especially in luxury hotels where cutting-edge technology is part of the appeal. However, as smart TVs become standard, the cost will likely be absorbed into regular room rates.

Q: Are there any downsides to smart TVs in hotels?

A few potential points to consider:

• Tech Issues: Like any technology, things might occasionally malfunction. Be prepared with a backup entertainment plan in case of glitches.
• Limited Streaming Options: Not every streaming service might be available due to licensing agreements.
• Privacy Considerations: Some travelers might be cautious about entering personal information on a shared device.