“I Want My Smart TV”: Why HOTEL TV Is Now Non-Negotiable and How Uniguest Is Leading the Charge 

Jul 30, 2025

 

There’s a new non-negotiable in hotel rooms, and it’s not plush bedding or blackout curtains: it’s the hotel TV.

Today’s travelers don’t just want to kick back after a long day of meetings or sightseeing. They want to stream their favorite shows, cast from their devices, and feel like they never left home. According to the 2025 J.D. Power North America Hotel Guest Satisfaction Index study (NAGSI), a staggering 40% of guests now consider a smart TV or streaming capability a “need-to-have” vs. “nice-to-have” amenity, nearly double the 21% who said the same in 2019. But it doesn’t stop there: 72% of guests reported having a smart TV in their room, and 60% said they used it during their stay.

The message is loud and clear: the in-room TV is no longer background noise; it is a need, and with Uniguest’s Hotel Hub platform, hospitality brands can turn that screen into one of the most powerful tools for guest satisfaction, loyalty, and revenue.

This surge in demand is more than just a tech trend; it’s a cultural shift. Guests are no longer satisfied with flipping through limited channels. They want instant access to the content that matters to them, whether it’s catching the game, continuing a binge-worthy series, or sharing travel photos on the big screen.

J.D. Power’s latest research reinforces what hoteliers are seeing every day: guests now evaluate their stay based on how connected and personalized their experience is. Now in-room technology, especially hotel TV, is a huge part of that equation.

 

 

How Uniguest’s Hotel Hub Is Delivering What Guests Want

Uniguest’s Hotel Hub platform is built to meet this exact moment. It transforms standard hotel TV into a seamless, interactive experience tailored to modern guest expectations. With Hotel Hub, properties can offer:

  • Streaming made simple: Guests can quickly cast their favorite content from streaming services such as Netflix or Hulu on their mobile device to their in-room TV.
  • Personalized screens: Greet guests by name, promote amenities, and provide local tips right on the TV.
  • Integrated guest services: From in-room dining to maintenance requests, Hotel Hub becomes a digital concierge.
  • Real-time offers and upsells: Promote spa treatments, upgrades, or late checkouts directly to the screen.

 

The ROI of Upgraded Hotel TV

The J.D. Power data proves it: guests are using these technologies and placing greater value on them. When hotels invest in upgraded Hotel TV experiences, they’re not just meeting guest expectations; they’re exceeding them and giving guests what they want. This leads to:

  • Higher satisfaction scores
  • Increased brand loyalty
  • New revenue streams via in-room upsells
  • Reduced front desk strain

Data shows that Hotel TV is no longer optional, it’s essential. Guests want it. They use it. They expect it. And when they get it, satisfaction scores rise. With Uniguest’s Hotel Hub, hotels can deliver the experience guests demand, while creating new opportunities for engagement and revenue.

EN