What Hotels Have Smart TVs? A Comprehensive Guide to Streaming

Recent studies have shown that hotel guests are increasingly interested in making the most of technology during their hotel stays. Guests always prefer to have smartphones, tablets, and laptops, and hotel guests stay connected and updated, even with their favorite shows.

Think of a smart TV as a giant smartphone or tablet built into your TV. Smart TVs connect directly to the Internet, either via WiFi or an Ethernet cable, and have a built-in operating system.

This allows you to run apps, stream content, browse the web, and much more, all without the need for additional devices.

Key features that make a TV “smart” include:

• Streaming Apps: Access popular services like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, YouTube and more right from your TV interface.
• Screen Mirroring: Wirelessly display your smartphone, tablet or laptop screen on your TV to share photos, videos or presentations.
• Voice control: Some smart TVs integrate with Alexa or Google Assistant, allowing you to search for content, change channels, or even control smart home devices with your voice.
• Web Browsing: While not as convenient as your computer, a smart TV allows you to surf the Internet when you need to.

Summary
Smart TVs are becoming more common in hotel rooms.
Big chains like Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, and IHG are leading the way in offering smart TV experiences.
Smart TVs allow guests to log into their streaming accounts to enjoy personalized entertainment.
This offers a convenient way to access familiar content on the go.

What Hotels Have Smart TVs?

What hotels have smart TVs? The answer is that 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 right to the TV.

Hotels With Smart TVs

1. Marriott

Marriott Smart TV Platform Overview

Marriott has been an early adopter of smart TVs across its broad portfolio of hotel brands. Its “Internet TV” platform is designed to be simple and accessible to guests of all levels of technological knowledge.

Personal Perspective: During my recent stay at a Westin, I was pleasantly surprised at how quickly I was able to start watching my favorite show on Netflix. After a long day of traveling, enjoying family entertainment was a huge comfort boost.

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 – simply use your existing subscriptions.
• Automatic logout: Marriott understands privacy concerns. Their system automatically logs you out of your accounts when you leave the hotel, ensuring your data remains secure.
• Beyond entertainment: While streaming is the main feature, Marriott is exploring ways to use smart TVs for hotel information, guest requests and personalized services in the future.

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

Marriott’s commitment to smart TVs is widespread. You’ll likely find them in most 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

Important note: Please refer to Marriott’s dedicated website for more details on its Internet TV platform.

2. 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 versatile, easy-to-use approach to smart TV functionality:

• Effortless Streaming: At 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.
• Compatible Apps: Any app on your device that supports Chromecast (Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, YouTube, Spotify, etc.) will work perfectly with STAYCAST.
• Beyond Entertainment: Stream your favorite workout videos, watch business presentations, or even display family photos on the big screen.
• Focus on privacy: Unlike some platforms, STAYCAST does not require you to log in with personal accounts directly on the TV. Your content is streamed from your device, ensuring your data remains secure.

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

Hyatt is actively implementing STAYCAST across its wide range 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

Important Note: Hyatt provides information on STAYCAST on their website.

3. Hilton

Hilton’s approach to smart TVs

Hilton’s approach to smart TV deployment focuses on ease of use and a touch of customization. Like Marriott, they offer seamless access to popular streaming platforms with a few extra features:

• “Cast” your content: Many Hilton smart TVs support screen casting 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 multiple stays within the Hilton family, the system can conveniently “remember” your device after initial pairing. This speeds up the login process for future visits.
• The Hilton Honors app: Hilton is exploring ways to integrate its 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 find 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

Personal Perspective: I’m a big fan of Hinton’s approach to casting. I often use less conventional streaming services when I travel and STAYCAST ensures that I can watch whatever I want on the hotel’s largest TV.

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 simple 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 right 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 stream content from your mobile devices to the TV. This functionality may vary depending on the specific hotel chain within the IHG family.
• IHG Studio: At 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)

Smart TV availability at IHG is widespread and you can expect to find them in brands such as:

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. Radisson Hotels

Radisson properties often feature smart TVs in their rooms, allowing guests to stream their favorite shows and movies. Radisson Hotels, part of Radisson Hotel Group, has been at the forefront of incorporating technology to improve guest satisfaction.

The integration of smart TVs into its rooms underscores its dedication to offering modern amenities and creating memorable experiences for travelers around the world.

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

• Radisson Blu
• Radisson
• Radisson RED

Other Hotel Chains

Many small chains and independent hotels have smart TVs. While major hotel chains tend to set the trends in technology adoption, don’t underestimate the technological savvy of smaller chains and independent properties.

Many recognize the importance of smart TVs in meeting guest expectations. Here are some other hotel chains that have smart TVs in rooms:

1. Wyndham Hotels & Resorts
2. Sheraton Hotels & Resorts
3. Westin Hotels & Resorts
4. Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts
5. W Hotels
6. Aloft Hotels

What to Expect

• Focus on streaming: Smaller hotels often focus on offering access to major streaming platforms. This is the feature that guests value most and is relatively easy to implement.
• Brand partnerships: Some smaller chains may partner with specific technology or smart TV brands to optimize the experience at their hotels. This helps ensure consistency for guests.
• Boutique hotels lead the way: Boutique hotels, known for their unique experiences, are often the first to adopt innovative smart TV features. You may find custom interfaces, integration with hotel apps, or even specialized streaming services that cater to your specific clientele.
• Independent Variation: Independent hotels have the most flexibility. Some may have top-of-the-line smart TV experiences, while others keep it simple with basic settings.

Why Do Smart TVs Matter for Guests in Hotels?

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

Here’s why they are becoming the new standard:

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

Update to your Social Media Platforms: When you have multiple screens, the possibilities are endless. Update your Instagram with a shot of your room service order while simulcasting Orange is the New Black on your hotel TV. A new era is approaching with an increasing number of hotels partnering with Netflix or upgrading to smart TVs.

Greater Convenience: Eliminates the hassle of figuring out unfamiliar cable systems and clunky pay-per-view movie services. Smart TVs provide an intuitive interface that most guests are already comfortable with.

Enhanced Comfort: Feeling like you’re in a home away from home is a major draw for travelers. Family-friendly streaming platforms provide a sense of continuity and reduce friction during your stay.

Unique Feature Potential: Imagine ordering room service, booking spa appointments, or checking hotel information directly through the on-screen interface; This is what smart TVs of the future could enable.

How Can You Find Hotels With Smart TVs

1. Hotel Websites

A hotel’s own website is the most reliable place to get up-to-date information about its services.

• Where to look: Check out sections like “Rooms,” “Amenities,” or “Technology.” Hotels proud of their smart TVs often highlight them.
• Keywords: Search the website for terms like “smart TV,” “streaming,” “Netflix,” or “screen mirroring.”
• Visual Clues: Look for images of rooms that clearly show a smart TV interface or mention live streaming apps in the captions.

2. Online travel agencies (OTA)

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 services. Look for the “smart TV” or “Internet TV” options.
• Warning: OTA information is not always 100% accurate. It’s best to check the hotel’s website for the most up-to-date information, especially for smaller or independent hotels.

3. Hotel reviews

The guest perspective: Websites like TripAdvisor or Google Reviews can offer valuable information to other travelers.

• Search smart: Use the search bar within reviews to look for mentions of “smart TV,” “streaming,” or specific apps.
• Recent is best: Prioritize the most recent reviews, as hotel technology updates occur frequently.
• Grain of salt: individual reviews can be subjective. Look for a pattern of multiple guests mentioning smart TVs for a more reliable image.

What are the Benefits of Staying at Hotels with Smart TVs

Information and Connectivity

Explore how smart TVs provide guests with essential information: In addition to entertainment, smart TVs provide guests with valuable information about the hotel and its services. From dining options and spa services to local attractions and events, guests can easily access relevant information right from their TV screen. This eliminates the need for cumbersome paper guides or brochures and ensures guests have everything they need at their fingertips.

Discuss the connectivity options available with smart TVs: Additionally, smart TVs offer seamless connectivity options, allowing guests to mirror their mobile devices or laptops on the TV screen. Whether it’s for work presentations, sharing vacation photos, or video chatting with loved ones, guests can stay connected and productive during their stay.

Access your favorite streaming services

• No more subscription FOMO – avoid the frustration of missing out on your favorite shows and movies on the go. Sign in to your regular Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, etc. accounts. and effortlessly pick up where you left off.
• Beyond Entertainment: Access is not just about TV series. Stream fitness apps, language learning programs, or even audiobooks for convenient self-improvement during your stay.
• Broader content: Many hotels offer basic cable, which limits your options. Smart TVs open up a world of entertainment, including international streaming platforms that suit your interests.
• Improved comfort and convenience
• Eliminate complications: No longer do you have to struggle with unfamiliar remote controls, complex cable interfaces, or limited pay-per-view options. Smart TVs offer an intuitive experience that 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 family entertainment creates a sense of continuity and reduces the feeling of being disconnected when traveling.

Bottom line

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

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

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

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)