Hoteliers worldwide are trying new technologies and implementing innovative techniques to try to gain a competitive advantage and impress their hotel guests. No wonder everyone is turning to digital technology to improve guest satisfaction levels and experiences.
The fierce competition in the hospitality industry makes brand loyalty almost impossible to achieve with all the options leisure and business travelers have right at their fingertips.
Smart TVs, in-room entertainment and streaming services are some of the core aspects of keeping your guests happy and turning them into returning customers. According to surveys, more U.S. households have active OTT (over-the-top) media services subscriptions than cable television.
This trend alters hotel guests’ expectations as they anticipate hospitality providers to offer them the same level of comfort and convenience as they get at their homes at the very least.
Most millennials share that they tend to bring their casting device during their hotel stay, which gives hoteliers an idea of how to add value to their offerings. Offering your hotel guests streaming devices meets their expectations and personalizes their experiences as you tailor in-room entertainment to their individual preferences.
Which devices could you use to offer streaming services to your hotel guests?
While streaming services deliver content to a personal mobile device via the Internet and without the need of an HDMI cable, a streaming device connects а personal device (most often TVs and theater systems) to the Internet to allow the user to use streaming services.
Typically, people purchase streaming devices for Non-Smart TVs because today’s modern Smart TVs are based on platforms with built-in streaming apps such as Netflix or Hulu. However, a streaming device would be beneficial even for a smart hotel TV.
Some of the most popular devices that offer streaming services are Google Chromecast, Roku Streaming Stick and Amazon Fire TV.
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User benefits and requirements
Benefits
All three streaming devices (Google Chromecast, Roku Streaming Stick and Amazon Fire TV) are intuitive and have user-friendly interfaces. Hotel users can enjoy plenty of popular streaming apps, depending on which ones the hotel decides to install.
Hotel guests are happy if they can enjoy streaming entertainment as they are used to in their homes, which will gain you popularity and good online reviews. They have a wide variety of in-room entertainment options giving them the freedom to completely personalize their experience and enjoy their favorite TV shows, movies, videos, music and much more.
The times with limited VoD (Video-on-Demand) services are long gone, and hotels should move together with the industry’s improvements.
Requirements
Today, streaming devices in hotel rooms are more of a guest requirement than an unheard-of service.
Travelers also expect access to some of the most popular streaming services available:
- Amazon Prime Video
- Netflix
- HBO Max
- Hulu
- Fubu TV
- Apple TV Plus
- Peacock
- Disney Plus
- Sling TV
Surveys show that guests also prefer streaming devices that do not require them to enter their personal credentials, which is perfectly understandable. It’s more convenient and safer to enter their data into their device than an external one owned by the hotel.
All this leaves Google Chromecast as the only viable option since it satisfies all requirements and provides many benefits. But let’s dive deeper into why you should use Chromecast for your hotel.
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Why you should use a Google Chromecast to offer streaming services to your hotel or apartment guests
Google Chromecast is one of the best available hotel streaming devices for more than one reason.
First, it allows your guest to use popular streaming apps, making it suitable for international travelers who want to watch videos in their language. It also personalizes the guest experience by enabling them to watch their favorite shows and even greeting them with a tailored message upon arrival.
These devices are easy to install and set up and have an intuitive user interface. Guests can use almost any device to stream from since Google Chromecast has supreme compatibility features. Your guests’ in-room TV experience will tremendously improve and can increase revenue from room service or mini bar purchases.
Last but not least, Google Chromecast eliminates the possibility of GDPR concerns that may arise with some Smart TVs. Instead of entering their credentials, users only need to scan the QR code shown on the TV screen to connect their device to the TV.
But let’s discuss some common questions regarding the support of Google Chromecast in hotel rooms.
Wi-Fi infrastructure to support streaming
It’s essential to have a strong hotel Wi-Fi infrastructure in your hotel property to ensure a good connection while streaming. Streaming online content requires a lot more bandwidth than simply browsing the web.
Given that your hotel guests bring more and more devices to your premises that need an Internet connection (e.g., smartphones, laptops, tablets, smartwatches), it’s crucial to provide reliable Wi-Fi so any additional services such as streaming function correctly.
Is it already accessible for guests to connect their own devices?
Many hotel guests bring their own smart and casting devices to use throughout their stay. Some of them can stream their own content directly on the guestroom TV, depending on the technology they own and your TV’s functions and outlets.
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Do TVs already support streaming?
Traditional non-smart TVs do not support streaming, and hotel guests would need a streaming device if they want to watch their favorite content on the TV. However, some new-age Smart TV’s have built-in streaming apps such as Netflix or Hulu.
The issue with these is that the user would need to enter their personal information (e.g., username and password) if they want to stream content directly from the TV.
Some complications that might arise from using Smart TV’s built-in streaming apps are difficulty signing in using only a remote control and remembering to sign out and delete personal information from the TV before checking out. Google Chromecast eliminates these complications and provides a more effective and speedy solution.
Can guests’ private data be protected if they use these apps through my hardware?
Using Google Chromecast for in-room entertainment and streaming services can protect your guests’ data. You’ll need a unique integration where all guest data, including username, password and viewing data, is automatically deleted from the device and TV when your customer checks out from the hotel.