Leaving Hostaway because of the 2% booking fee?

Streaming box or TV for vacation rental?

LakeMiRentals L
May 1, 2022 7:40 AM
Joined Jul, 2021 2 posts

One problem I am having is people sign in and out of apps on my Apple TV or plug in their own box and change the hdmi then apps and Apple TV do not operate for the next guest and my cleaning staff has enough to deal with. Is there a good tv out there or streaming box one could manage remotely? Anything that I can backup and restore remotely or remote into and adjust the settings?

BlueMtnCabins
May 1, 2022 6:17 PM
Joined Jun, 2016 1133 posts

That's why we still have dish. everyone knows how to operate that....

 

Chris L
May 2, 2022 10:51 PM
Joined May, 2017 207 posts

I've wondered the same. Seems like there should be SOME kind of hospitality-focused option that syncs with PMSes/iCal and automatically resets after guest departure (and could be used for all kinds of other things, like a digital guidebook, checkout instructions, etc.). Kinda shocked nothing exists.

Closest I've found is Roku, which lets guests sign into it in "Guest Mode," but they still have to sign out to clear all the app logins.

Especially since my market focuses on older guests, I've kept cable in all my properties despite the cost (for the same reason as BlueMtnCabins). I offer smart TVs in most of my properties for guest convenience but don't count on them.

Miles T
May 8, 2022 6:32 PM
Joined May, 2022 19 posts

Yeah I don't see OR implementing this since it's pretty nuanced. Would you pay for a separate service that allows you to log out of all your apps remotely so your cleaners don't have to do it?

Ventura County V
Apr 28, 2023 9:24 PM
Joined Mar, 2022 122 posts

I have a smart tv with all the major streaming apps I can think of on it.  Guests can login there and stay in sync with their queue back home.  No roku/etc. device to unplug and no HDMI issues to worry about.  Only thing is that no matter how many times you remind people, there will always be someone who forgets to logout.  I put that logging you out is your responsibility and not mine, into my rules etc.

Valerie R
Sep 22, 2023 9:21 AM
Joined Sep, 2019 121 posts

In two of our properties we offer only basic cable service (major networks, mostly) and advertise it on the listings. Those properties have all Smart TVs so guests can stream their entertainment by logging into their own streaming apps. My listings say:

"NOTE: This house includes a basic cable package. If you want to watch premium channels or services such as Netflix or Prime Video you will have to stream them on your mobile device."

My guest instructions packet & check-out instructions contain a reminder to the guest to sign out of all of their streaming accounts before they leave.