Traveling can be a whirlwind of experiences, from navigating airport security to exploring new cities. Yet, amidst the excitement, one common frustration persists: grappling with unfamiliar hotel TV remotes. However, thanks to a groundbreaking collaboration between Apple and InterContinental Hotel Group (IHG), this annoyance may soon be a thing of the past.
With the introduction of AirPlay, Apple’s innovative inter-device streaming technology, guests at over 60 IHG properties across the US, Mexico, and Canada can now enjoy a seamless, remote-free streaming experience on their hotel room’s TV. This partnership promises not only convenience but also privacy and security, ensuring a worry-free entertainment experience.
Imagine arriving at your hotel after a long day of travel, eager to unwind, only to be met with confusion over how to operate the TV. Now, with AirPlay, you can simply use your iPhone as a control, effortlessly accessing your favorite content without the hassle of navigating multiple remotes.
I recently had the opportunity to experience this groundbreaking feature firsthand at the InterContinental New York Times Square. As a frequent business traveler myself, I can confidently say that AirPlay in hotel rooms is poised to revolutionize the way we personalize our stays. No longer will guests be limited by the constraints of traditional remote controls; instead, they can enjoy a tailored entertainment experience at their fingertips.
From streaming your favorite shows and movies to accessing personalized content, the possibilities with AirPlay are endless. Whether you’re traveling for work or leisure, this innovative solution ensures that your hotel room feels like a home away from home.
Travel often disrupts our familiar routines by placing us in hotel rooms that lack the comforts of home. The TV doesn’t feature our preferred shows or our personalized watch history, and connecting to a sound system for unwinding with our favorite tunes isn’t always straightforward.
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With IHG’s AirPlay integration, guests can seamlessly use their iPhone or iPad to connect to the hotel’s LG TV. By scanning the “Connect and Stream” QR code with their device’s camera, guests are directed to a Wi-Fi connectivity page to join the room’s network. Once connected, an AirPlay icon appears on their device’s screen. Activating screen mirroring allows guests to effortlessly stream content from their device to the TV.
Having personally tested the feature, I can attest to its near-seamless connection process.
With this functionality, guests can easily revisit trip photos, resume their favorite shows, prepare for important presentations, or play their preferred tunes through the TV’s sound system—all without the need for a remote. This convenience can be a game-changer for business travelers seeking to make their hotel room feel more like home during extended stays in unfamiliar cities.
AirPlay offers a plethora of possibilities beyond streaming entertainment, particularly for health and productivity. For instance, the Apple Health app seamlessly integrates with AirPlay, allowing guests to access guided workout or meditation sessions from the Fitness+ tab directly on the hotel TV. Additionally, health data from their Apple Watch can be projected onto the TV alongside their phone, providing a comprehensive view of their progress.
Other apps such as Keynote for rehearsing presentations and Photos for reviewing daily snapshots also translate seamlessly onto the TV screen.
AirPlay is currently available in select hotels, including Holiday Inn, Avid, Candlewood, Crowne Plaza, and InterContinental locations, with more properties slated to adopt the technology in the coming months.