Hotel guest expectations are changing with the times, and with technology. Gone are the days when amenities like fitness centers and free breakfast wowed and wooed guests. Today’s travelers want seamless, personalized experiences where technology plays an increasingly central role, from contactless check-ins to meal delivery services to electric vehicle charging. As a result, property managers face rising pressure to continually upgrade services and guest-facing technology.
One key area where change is especially visible is with in-room entertainment. Traditional hotel TVs have often lagged behind traveler expectations. In fact, many guests don’t even turn on older models and instead watch content on their personal devices. That presents as a lost opportunity for revenue and branding.
The latest generation of hospitality TVs (HTVs) are stepping in to close that gap. They also represent a way for new leaders to step forward from the crowd of competitors thanks to several features that shift eyes from personal screens to the hotel’s screens. Here’s how:
How HTVs improve the guest experience
The next generation of HTVs brings powerful new features that both guests and hotel teams appreciate:
Streaming and casting made simple
Guests today prefer streaming their favorite content via platforms like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video and Disney+, and they expect the same convenience and personalized experience they have at home. Many travelers prioritize being able to connect their personal streaming or gaming accounts to the in-room entertainment system. In fact, it’s the top technology “must-have” among hotel guests in a 2025 report by Oracle and Skift.
HTVs enable hotels to meet this expectation and bring personalization and convenience more fully to the room. They offer guests access to their favorite streaming services, and in a better resolution and definition than many personal devices. Furthermore, guests can cast content directly from their devices through Google Cast and Apple AirPlay.
In-room TV systems like this that support streaming and casting not only keep guests engaged but also influence overall satisfaction and loyalty.
Sustainability initiatives
Modern HTVs provide hotels with a powerful way to promote sustainability. It’s an issue that continues to matter to the vast majority of travelers. In fact, 93% indicated they want to make sustainable travel choices in Booking.com’s Travel and Sustainability Report 2025. This gives hotels a strong reason to invest in technology that supports sustainability initiatives, including HTVs.
Modern HTVs reduce the number of electronic devices required in each room by consolidating multiple functions in a single unit. This integration both streamlines the guest experience and minimizes electronic waste while lowering energy consumption. Energy-efficient designs also reduce “ghost electricity” — energy that devices draw even when
not in use — contributing to leaner energy profiles and greener operations. Additionally, HTVs can replace printed materials like menus, welcome notes and brochures in guest rooms, further reducing paper waste.
Cost savings
Next-generation HTVs can present significant cost savings for hotels. With streaming and casting, many properties reduce or eliminate expensive cable subscriptions. The integrated nature of the latest HTVs helps streamline maintenance and reduce the frequency and cost of repairs, simplifying support for operations teams.
Enhancement of service and satisfaction
Modern HTVs empower guests to personalize their viewing experience, creating a hotel stay that feels closer to home. With fewer devices and a unified, user-friendly interface, the risk of technical failures decreases, which in turn boosts guest satisfaction and helps ensure rooms are ready for occupancy without unexpected downtime.
Which HTV is right for your property?
Samsung HTVs are designed to meet diverse property needs:
- Samsung HU7010F Smart Hospitality TV offers flexible installation options, robust connectivity and an intuitive platform that integrates easily with content management systems. It’s ideal for mid-scale and upper- midscale hotels that want a reliable, guest-friendly entertainment solution. It comes in five sizes, from 43 to 75 inches. The 43-, 50- and 55-inch models feature a sturdy center stand with a 180-degree swivel that allows guests to watch comfortably from almost anywhere in the room. The 65- and 75-inch models stand on slim feet.
- Samsung HU8000F Smart Hospitality TV elevates the in-room experience with a premium design and enhanced streaming capabilities. Its slim, wall-mounted profile and advanced feature set make it a strong choice for upscale hotels that prioritize guest satisfaction and differentiated entertainment. It also comes in six different screen sizes, from 43 to 85 inches, and mounts on the wall, or, if not possible, atop slim feet on furniture.
- Samsung HU6000F Non-Smart Hospitality TV caters to properties that use set-top-box deployments and comes with numerous bells and whistles to level up the hotel viewing experience. Available in models from 43 to 75 inches, the HTV incorporates Crystal Processor UHD and 4K upscaling to deliver true colors and high resolution. Pro:Idiom integration also enables a streamlined viewing experience with premium HDTV content.
The HTVs are designed to install quickly and scale easily across properties, as a set top box, stand-alone or through a content management system like Samsung LYNK Cloud. They support popular streaming services, device casting and seamless over-the-top access through QR login, making them future-ready tools for delivering modern in-room experiences.
The HU7010F and HU8000F come with multiple connectivity options through cables, with HDMI, USB-C and LAN on both, and the latter adding a LAN out port. The HU6000F offers HMI, USB-C and Antenna. These allow for further customization of the local network and integration of external devices.
HTVs help future-proof hotels for evolving expectations
As technology evolves, so do guest expectations. Investing in next-generation HTVs positions hotels to meet both current demands and emerging trends in guest experience technology. By adopting these advanced HTVs early on, hotels address current demands as well as future ones.
A key way they do this is through data collection and analytics, providing insights into guest preferences and behavior. Hotels can use this data to tailor services, refine offerings, build loyalty and spot new trends. This enables hotels with HTVs to stay a step ahead of competitors.
The undeniable value of HTVs
HTVs are no longer just screens; they’re a cornerstone of modern hospitality technology. Updating to state-of-the-art HTVs by Samsung is a critical step for hotels aiming to stay competitive and deliver exceptional guest experiences. By embracing these advanced solutions, hotels can meet contemporary demands for streaming and personalization, support sustainability goals, reduce operational costs and enhance overall service quality.
Learn more about how to increase guest participation in hotel sustainability programs. And see the full range of Samsung HTVs to find the best fit for your hotel.
