Sponsored by
Guests Want More from Their Hotel Entertainment Experience
It once was enough for hotels to simply offer guests access to 40+ channels on any in-room TV. Those guests would walk into their room, pick up the remote, search for the channel sheet, then flip around until they found something to keep them entertained. It was fine for a time because it was the best hotels could offer.
But guests’ entertainment demands are evolving in tandem with advancements in technology options. Customers now have 24/7 access to state-of-the-art entertainment options in the comfort of their homes—far better than what most hotels typically offer.
When it comes to entertainment, there’s been a dramatic shift to an on-demand culture. When visitors open that hotel room door, they don’t want to spend hours figuring out how to get what they want on the in-room TV screen. They still want the ability to easily find their favorite live TV channels, but they also want the ability to access their favorite apps or pull out their phones and cast their favorite content.
In short, they want their content on your TV.
That means properties that adopt smart solutions that seamlessly integrate their own hotel-provided content with entertainment options from their guests’ iPhones, tablets or computers will have a competitive edge in today’s crowded hospitality marketplace.
Data Proves It: Technology Matters
No matter their size, no matter their location, hotels are becoming increasingly digital-centric—all in an effort to gain competitive footing. Properties ranging from global brands to boutique concepts to extended stay properties are creating memorable experiences to attract guests and turn them into loyal, repeat customers—and they’re turning to technology to achieve those goals.
But does technology that improves the entertainment experience really have the potential to delight customers, increase efficiency, inspire loyalty, and generate profits?
Recent industry data show that the answer to all of those questions is...
of hotel guests are likely to return to a property when the tech they want is available
indicate they will
pay more for technology they deem important
listed Smart TVs and content streaming as a Top 10 Technology Influencing Guest Booking Decisions
measures Customer Engagement Technology (CET) performance on a scale of 1 to 3 in two categories: customer experience (the vertical axis) and business performance (the horizontal axis). With a midpoint of 2.4 for customer engagement and 2.3 for business enhancement, the resulting graph provides a visualization of most-effective technology -- CETs scoring above average fall in the upper right quadrant. Interactive televisions scored above the average delivering on both enhancing customer engagement and business performance.
Explore Your Options
Big brands, of course, already have the size, scale and competency to deliver a state-of-the-art entertainment experience. But what about the myriad hoteliers who don’t have access to the kind of big brand resources needed to develop a proprietary platform—one that will deliver reliable, premium-quality entertainment at a price they can afford?
Many options are available. But before investing in a new entertainment solution, it is imperative to take a few simple but important steps:
and compare the total cost of ownership, including upfront and monthly fees.
the provider’s reputation and history.
the company’s ability to handle current technology and move forward as it evolves.
Assess the System: Business-Building Features & Benefits
The goal is to make it easy for guests to access their own music, movies, and shows on in-room TVs for the best hotel entertainment experience available today.
The challenge is to select the system that helps achieve that goal in the simplest, most affordable way possible.
Adopting smart technology that delivers a high-quality HD TV experience on any TV, over any network, across all of your properties is essential to success. So is choosing a service that relies on a national provider with a history of innovation.
Important features and benefits to look for:
Compatibility with existing infrastructure. Will the system integrate into existing coaxial, Ethernet, or fiber setups? That is important because it makes set-up easy and reduces operating costs—no pricey rewiring needed.
Customized entertainment solutions. Does the system give guests access to a comprehensive menu of HD TV and premium channels? Can you create a customizable guide? Does the system let guests enjoy a seamless experience with streamlined navigation, channel previews, and genre filters that make content discovery easier than ever—all accessible via a simplified remote? And does it do all of that in an affordable way?
In-room Netflix and app integration. Look for a system that offers integrated Netflix on in-room TVs and allows guests to log in to the Google Play store to download their favorite apps, pick up where they left off on a TV show or movie, and take their in-app purchases with them at check out.
Personalization perks. Welcoming guests by name can be a first and important step in building brand loyalty…so look for a system that lets you not only personally welcome each guest but also maintain guest privacy by clearing user credentials and passwords at checkout.
Conclusion
In-room entertainment is important to the guest experience. And today’s digi-centric guests want more from their in-room hotel entertainment experience than ever before, including the option to watch their own content on in-room TVs.
A system that delivers state-of-the-art technology—one that is compatible with existing infrastructure and offers customizable entertainment options and personalization features—can transform an average guest experience into a sensational one. Consequently, hotels willing to invest in a system upgrade will drive guest loyalty, boost return rates, increase overall satisfaction, and ultimately meet guests’ evolving entertainment demands.
(1) Hospitality Technology 2019 Customer Engagement Technology Study
Delivering on Guests’ Evolving Entertainment Demands
Technology Tips:
An interactive white paper from
“Yes!”
*Consider
*Determine
*Understand
72%
66%
42%
1
1
1
The Impact Compass
IMPACT COMPASS:
ENHANCING CUSTOMER ENGAGEMENT
BUSINESS PERFORMANCE
Blockchain
Augmented Reality (AR)
Robotics
Voice Control
Biometrics
Chatobots
IOT
Location-based Technologies
Interactive Digital Signage
Smart Mobile Devices for Employees
Customer Experience Management Platforms
Loyalty Programs
Interactive In-Room TVs
Personalized Offers Based on History
Mobile Payment
Social Media Engagement
Predictive Analytics
Mobile Web Page
LEAST EFFECTIVE
MODERATELY EFFECTIVE
MOST EFFECTIVE
SEE ALL TECHNOLOGIES
+
+
+
CHARTING BUSINESS GAINS VS. ENGAGEMENT WINS
+
Choose one to see the effectiveness of technologies
The message is clear.
Virtual Reality (VR)
Mobile Room Keys
Interactive Kiosks
Mobile Check-in/Out
DISH Business offers flexible solutions for companies of all sizes with unmatched value, technology, and nationwide support you can count on.
See How DISH Business Can Help Your Property
In-room entertainment is important to the guest experience. And today’s digi-centric guests want more from their in-room hotel entertainment experience than ever before, including the option to watch their own content on in-room TVs.
Call DISH Business at 888-422-4734 or visit us online at dish.com/hotels today.
Autonomous Vehicles
Wearables