When choosing a hotel, the in-room entertainment can be an important factor, especially for longer stays. Do you want access to streaming apps and casting capabilities?
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: Many major hotel chains now offer smart TVs, including Hilton, Marriott, Hyatt, and IHG hotels.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down which hotel brands offer smart TVs and highlight the tech specs and features available. You’ll learn key things to look for when booking, like casting abilities and available streaming apps.
We’ll also provide tips for getting a room with a smart TV guaranteed.
Overview of Major Hotel Chains Offering Smart TVs
When it comes to providing a modern and convenient experience for their guests, many hotel chains have turned to smart TVs in their guest rooms. These high-tech devices allow guests to access a wide range of entertainment options and stream their favorite shows and movies directly from their personal devices.
In this article, we will take a closer look at some of the major hotel chains that offer smart TVs in their guest rooms.
Hilton Hotels
Hilton Hotels is known for its commitment to providing exceptional guest experiences, and part of that commitment includes offering smart TVs in their guest rooms.
Guests staying at Hilton hotels can enjoy the convenience of streaming their favorite content from popular platforms such as Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video. This allows guests to personalize their entertainment experience and enjoy their preferred shows and movies during their stay.
Marriott Hotels
Marriott Hotels is another major hotel chain that has embraced the use of smart TVs in their guest rooms. Marriott offers a wide selection of streaming options, allowing guests to access popular streaming services and enjoy a range of entertainment options.
Whether guests want to catch up on their favorite TV shows or relax with a movie, Marriott’s smart TVs ensure they have access to the content they love.
Hyatt Hotels
Hyatt Hotels has also joined the trend of offering smart TVs in their guest rooms. With these cutting-edge devices, Hyatt guests can easily access streaming services and enjoy a variety of entertainment options.
Whether guests are traveling for business or leisure, having a smart TV in their room allows them to unwind and enjoy their favorite shows and movies at their convenience.
IHG Hotels
IHG Hotels, which includes popular brands such as Holiday Inn and Crowne Plaza, has recognized the value of smart TVs in enhancing the guest experience.
With smart TVs in their guest rooms, IHG Hotels allow guests to stay connected and entertained throughout their stay. Guests can stream their favorite shows, catch up on the latest news, or even access their personal media libraries, providing a home-away-from-home experience.
What to Expect from Hotel Smart TVs
When staying at a hotel, having a smart TV in your guest room can greatly enhance your overall experience. These modern televisions offer a range of features and functionalities that go beyond just watching cable channels.
Below, we’ll explore what you can expect from hotel smart TVs, including screen sizes, casting and connectivity options, and the available apps and channels.
Screen Sizes
Hotel smart TVs come in various screen sizes to cater to different preferences. You can find smaller TVs, starting from around 32 inches, which are suitable for compact rooms or solo travelers. On the other hand, larger screen sizes, such as 55 inches or even 65 inches, are often available for those who desire a more immersive viewing experience.
It’s important to note that the screen sizes may vary depending on the hotel and room type, so it’s worth checking the specifications before making a reservation.
Casting and Connectivity Options
One of the standout features of hotel smart TVs is their casting and connectivity options. Most modern smart TVs allow guests to stream content from their personal devices directly to the TV screen.
Whether you want to watch your favorite Netflix series or share a slideshow of your vacation photos with your travel companions, casting options like Chromecast or built-in AirPlay support make it seamless and convenient.
Additionally, hotel smart TVs often come equipped with multiple HDMI ports, USB ports, and Bluetooth connectivity, allowing guests to connect their devices and enjoy personalized entertainment.
Available Apps and Channels
Hotel smart TVs offer a wide range of apps and channels to keep guests entertained during their stay. From popular streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video to music apps like Spotify and Pandora, these TVs provide access to a plethora of online content.
Additionally, many hotels also offer their own custom apps that provide information about hotel amenities, local attractions, and even allow guests to order room service directly from the TV. It’s important to note that the available apps and channels may vary depending on the hotel’s partnership agreements and the region in which the hotel is located.
Booking Tips to Get a Smart TV Room
When it comes to ensuring that you get a hotel room with a smart TV, there are a few booking tips you should keep in mind. By following these suggestions, you can increase your chances of enjoying all the entertainment options that a smart TV has to offer during your stay.
Check Hotel Website for Details
One of the first things you should do when booking a hotel room is to check the hotel’s website for details about the amenities they offer. Most hotels nowadays provide information about the facilities available in their guest rooms, including whether or not they have smart TVs.
Make sure to look for this information in the room descriptions or amenities section of the website. If the hotel’s website doesn’t mention smart TVs, it’s a good idea to reach out to them directly for clarification.
Call to Confirm Smart TV Availability
To avoid any confusion or disappointment upon arrival, consider calling the hotel directly to confirm the availability of smart TVs in their guest rooms.
The hotel staff will be able to provide you with the most up-to-date information and answer any questions you may have. This way, you can be confident that you’ll have a room with a smart TV waiting for you when you check-in.
Consider Upgrading Your Room
If having a smart TV is a priority for you during your stay, consider upgrading your room. Some hotels offer different room categories, with higher-tier rooms often equipped with more advanced amenities, including smart TVs.
While this may come with an additional cost, it can be worth it if you value the convenience and entertainment options that a smart TV provides.
Ask at Check-In If Needed
Upon arriving at the hotel, don’t hesitate to ask the front desk staff about the availability of smart TVs in their guest rooms.
They will be able to confirm if your room has a smart TV or offer alternative options if it doesn’t. Remember, it’s always better to ask in advance to avoid any disappointment after settling into your room.
By following these booking tips, you can increase your chances of securing a hotel room with a smart TV, ensuring that you have access to a wide range of entertainment options during your stay.
Connecting Your Own Devices if No Smart TV
If your hotel room doesn’t have a smart TV, don’t worry! There are still ways to connect your own devices and enjoy your favorite shows and movies. Here are some options to consider:
Travel with HDMI Cables
One option is to bring your own HDMI cables. Most hotels have HDMI ports on their TVs, allowing you to connect your laptop, tablet, or smartphone directly to the TV.
This way, you can stream content from your device and enjoy it on the bigger screen. Just make sure to check the HDMI port availability in your hotel room before packing those cables!
Bring a Streaming Stick
Another option is to bring a streaming stick, such as a Roku or Amazon Fire Stick. These small devices plug into the HDMI port of the TV and allow you to access streaming apps like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video.
Simply connect the streaming stick to the hotel TV, connect to the hotel’s Wi-Fi network, and start streaming your favorite content. It’s a convenient and portable solution for enjoying your own entertainment.
Use Screen Mirroring
If you have a smartphone or tablet with screen mirroring capabilities, you can easily connect it to the TV without any cables. Screen mirroring allows you to mirror the content from your device’s screen onto the TV wirelessly.
Just make sure the hotel TV supports screen mirroring and follow the instructions to connect your device. This way, you can watch your favorite videos, photos, and even play games on the big screen.
Connect with Chromecast
If you have a Chromecast device, you can also use it to connect your own devices to the hotel TV. Simply plug the Chromecast into the TV’s HDMI port, connect to the hotel’s Wi-Fi network, and use your smartphone, tablet, or laptop as a remote control to cast content onto the TV.
Whether it’s streaming movies or playing music, Chromecast offers a seamless way to enjoy your own media on the hotel TV.
Remember, not all hotels provide these options, so it’s always a good idea to check with the hotel beforehand or read reviews from other travelers who have stayed there.
Additionally, make sure to follow any hotel policies or guidelines regarding the use of personal devices with their TVs. Happy streaming!
Conclusion
From Hilton and Hyatt to Marriott and IHG, major hotel chains now equip rooms with smart TVs featuring top apps and casting abilities.
Review hotel sites when booking and request a smart TV room at check-in. With an upgrade or your own streaming device, you can stay entertained on the road.
