Apple has partnered with IHG Hotels & Resorts to offer its Airplay streaming technology in hotel rooms for the first time, with over 60 properties in North America now offering this service. Guests can stream content from their iPhone or iPad to the LG television in their room by scanning a unique QR code to join the hotel’s Wi-Fi. This technology, announced at the 2023 Worldwide Developers Conference, is designed to enhance the in-room entertainment experience for guests staying at IHG properties such as InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta and Hotel Indigo NYC Downtown – Wall Street.
This partnership between LG Electronics and Apple marks a significant milestone in the rollout of hotel technology, addressing the common criticism that hotel rooms lack advanced entertainment options compared to what people have at home. By incorporating Airplay technology, IHG Hotels & Resorts aims to create a “home-away-from-home” experience for guests, allowing them to enjoy the comforts of watching their favorite shows or movies while traveling. This move reflects the growing trend of incorporating tech-savvy features into the hospitality industry to meet the changing expectations of modern travelers.
The introduction of Airplay streaming in hotel rooms is part of Apple’s strategy to expand its presence in the hospitality sector, complementing its existing digital room key feature. By enabling iPhone and Apple Watch users to store their hotel room key in their Apple Wallet, Apple is streamlining the check-in process for guests at participating hotels. Strawberry (formerly Nordic Choice Hotels) is among the companies already utilizing this feature, highlighting the potential for Apple to establish further partnerships within the hotel industry to enhance the overall guest experience.
The collaboration between Apple and IHG Hotels & Resorts underscores the growing importance of personalized in-room entertainment options for travelers, as hotels strive to differentiate themselves by offering innovative tech amenities. Apple’s Airplay technology not only enhances the guest experience but also reflects a broader trend in the hospitality industry towards incorporating cutting-edge technologies to meet the evolving needs of modern travelers. As the demand for seamless and personalized experiences continues to rise, hotels are increasingly investing in technology to cater to the preferences of tech-savvy guests.
The partnership between Apple and IHG Hotels & Resorts represents a step forward in revolutionizing the hospitality industry by integrating innovative technologies that enhance the guest experience. With the rollout of Airplay streaming in hotel rooms, travelers can now enjoy the convenience of streaming content from their mobile devices to the in-room television, creating a more personalized and immersive entertainment experience. This partnership reflects the industry’s shift towards embracing digital innovations to stay competitive and meet the growing expectations of guests who seek seamless and tech-driven experiences during their stays.
Overall, Apple’s collaboration with IHG Hotels & Resorts to introduce Airplay streaming in hotel rooms highlights the increasing importance of technology in enhancing the guest experience within the hospitality sector. By offering guests the ability to stream content from their own devices to the in-room television, hotels are catering to the preferences of modern travelers who seek personalized and technologically advanced amenities during their stays. As the industry continues to evolve, partnerships like this one showcase the potential for further innovation in the integration of technology to create seamless and memorable guest experiences in hotels worldwide.
