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The rise of BYOD: Why Guests Are Choosing Personal Devices Over In-Room TVs

Ethnic Technologies

In recent years, the landscape of in-room entertainment in hotels has undergone a significant transformation. Gone are the days when guests were content with a limited selection of cable channels or pay-per-view movies. Today's guests are bringing their streaming habits with them, and hotels are taking notice. However, an interesting trend has emerged: while hotels are upgrading their TV systems, many guests are opting to use their own devices for entertainment.


hotel spa

The Shift Away from Traditional TV

Research shows that while hotel guests still value having a TV in their room, their preferences have shifted dramatically. Traditional services like DSTV (Digital Satellite Television) are no longer the draw they once were. Instead, guests are looking for ways to access their favorite streaming platforms, mirroring their at-home viewing experiences.


What Guests Really Want

  1. Seamless Streaming Access: The ability to access their personal streaming accounts easily.

  2. Smart TV Functionality: TVs that offer easy navigation and app installations.

  3. Casting Capabilities: Options to cast content from their personal devices to the room's TV.

  4. High-Speed Internet: Reliable Wi-Fi that can handle streaming without buffering.

  5. Personalized Experiences: The option to continue watching shows they started at home.


The Rise of BYOD (Bring Your Own Device)

Despite hotels' efforts to upgrade their in-room entertainment systems, an increasing number of guests prefer using their own devices for streaming content. This trend is driven by several key factors:


  1. Privacy and Security Concerns

A significant 54% of guests are "highly concerned" about entering their login credentials on guestroom TVs. This hesitation stems from fears of data breaches and personal information being compromised. As a result, travelers prefer the security of their own devices, where their credentials are already saved and protected.


  1. Convenience and Familiarity

Guests arrive with their own curated content libraries and viewing histories on their personal devices. The hassle of logging into multiple streaming services on an unfamiliar hotel TV system is often seen as an unnecessary inconvenience. With their own smartphones or tablets, guests can instantly access their favorite shows without navigating complex hotel entertainment systems.


  1. Flexibility and Multitasking

Personal devices offer the flexibility to move around the room, watch from bed, or even continue viewing while using hotel amenities. Additionally, many guests appreciate the ability to multitask – checking emails or social media while streaming content, something not easily done with a traditional TV setup.


  1. Seamless Viewing Experience

Modern guests want to continue watching their shows exactly where they left off at home. Personal devices allow for this seamless transition, whereas hotel TVs often require starting from scratch or navigating unfamiliar interfaces.


  1. Alternative Entertainment Options

Many hotels now offer alternatives to traditional TVs:

  • Complimentary Wi-Fi for streaming content on personal devices

  • Scenic views as a natural "TV" replacement

  • Common area entertainment

  • Specialized events (like Jamaica Inn's "Bond on the Beach" screenings)


Hotels Adapting to New Demand

Forward-thinking hotels are responding to these trends by:

  • Opting to have no TV's on rooms at all. An example of this is Bequia Beach Hotel, which keep TVs on standby for guests who specifically request them, showing a flexible approach to this emerging trend while Villa Làrio in Lake Como deliberately omits TVs to help guests appreciate lake views

  • Providing clear instructions for accessing streaming services

  • Offering higher bandwidth internet options

  • Implementing systems that allow guests to securely log in and out of their accounts

  • Providing streaming devices like Google Chromecast.


villa lario hotel lake como

The Benefits for Hotels

By embracing streaming and accommodating guests' preferences for personal devices, hotels can:

  • Enhance guest satisfaction and loyalty

  • Reduce costs associated with traditional cable packages

  • Gather data on guest preferences to improve services

  • Stand out in a competitive market


Challenges and Considerations

While the move towards streaming is clear, hotels must navigate some challenges:

  • Ensuring robust cybersecurity to protect guest information

  • Managing bandwidth to accommodate increased streaming demand

  • Keeping up with rapidly evolving technology

  • Balancing investments in in-room TVs with the trend towards personal device usage


The Future of In-Room Entertainment

As we look ahead, the trend towards personalized, streaming-based entertainment in hotel rooms is set to grow. However, some hotels are taking a different approach by removing TVs altogether, focusing on creating unique experiences that encourage guests to disconnect and enjoy their surroundings. You can read more about Revolutionizing Energy Efficiency in Hotels With Smart Technology in our recent article here.

In conclusion, while many hotels still offer TVs as an important amenity, there's a growing recognition that some guests prefer a TV-free experience. Hotels that can provide flexible options, catering to both those who want traditional entertainment and those seeking a more disconnected stay, are positioning themselves at the forefront of the hospitality industry's evolving landscape.

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