What is hotel entertainment?
Hotel entertainment refers to the activities, systems, and services that enhance a guest’s stay by offering enjoyment, relaxation, or engagement, either in-room or on the property.
It’s a broad category that covers everything from in-room entertainment systems, such as smart TVs, streaming services, and interactive displays, to live shows, recreational activities, and themed events hosted on-site. The aim is to make the stay more enjoyable, encouraging guests to spend more time and money at the hotel and leave with positive memories.
This blog will explore all the options available to your hotel and how you can make sure guests are entertained at your property.
Table of contents
Why hotel entertainment is important for hotel guests
When done well, entertainment transforms a visit from ordinary to extraordinary. Whether it’s streaming a favourite show, joining a rooftop event, or attending a live performance, these moments create lasting impressions. Guests remember how a hotel made them feel, and entertainment often sets that tone.
It also drives results. A study on floating hotels in Luxor found that entertainment programs significantly increased guest satisfaction and repeat visits. Another report shows 45% of travellers now expect on-demand entertainment during their stay.
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How hotel room entertainment enhances guest experience
Gone are the days when a few basic TV channels would cut it. Now, travellers expect smart TVs, streaming options, and the ability to cast from their own devices. In fact, research shows that free-to-guest TV and high-speed internet are two of the most valued in-room features for both business and leisure travellers.
These little touches also help you stand out. In markets where everyone’s offering similar rooms and rates, the hotels that nail the guest experience, right down to how people relax in their rooms, are the ones that get noticed. That’s where in-room entertainment becomes more than just a perk. It’s a reason to leave a great review, come back again, and recommend your place to friends.
Best hotel entertainment ideas to elevate guest experience
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to entertaining guests but the right mix of tech and experiences can turn a stay into something special. Here are some ideas to help you stand out and give guests something to talk about.
Hotel in-room entertainment systems
Guests have high expectations when it comes to tech, especially in the room where they’re winding down. The right in-room setup doesn’t just entertain, it makes the stay feel easy and tailored to their preferences.
Smart TVs
Smart TVs are now the baseline, but it’s the content access that really matters. Giving guests the ability to log in to Netflix, Hulu, or watch on-demand movies means they can pick up where they left off at home. Whether it’s binge-watching a favourite series or watching something new, the experience feels personal and familiar.
Voice-activated control
Some hotels are taking it a step further with voice-activated room controls. Guests can adjust lighting, play music, or even set the room temperature—all hands-free. It’s a small detail, but it makes the experience feel intuitive and modern, especially for tech-savvy travellers.
VR headset
For those looking to offer something truly unique, VR headsets are gaining traction. These can give guests access to immersive games, virtual workouts, or even 360° tours of local attractions. Imagine arriving in a new city and exploring its landmarks virtually before stepping out. It’s a mix of convenience and novelty that guests won’t forget.
Hotel entertainment packages
For wellness-focused travellers, spa and entertainment add-ons like guided meditation sessions, sound baths, or in-room yoga streaming can turn a stay into a full recharge. These extras appeal to guests looking for relaxation beyond the spa, and help position your hotel as a place to unwind in both body and mind.
For those in premium rooms or suites, all-inclusive streaming and gaming bundles are another way to elevate the experience. Think unlimited access to movies, shows, and even gaming services. Families, in particular, appreciate the option to keep kids entertained with minimal fuss, especially on rainy days or quiet evenings.
Then there’s the option to customise entertainment packages around specific moments. A romantic movie night setup with a projector and snacks for two, or a kid-friendly bundle with games, movies, and activity kits, can help make a stay feel special. It’s these little touches that stick in a guest’s mind and often lead to glowing reviews.
Hotel entertainment tickets
Travellers often look for things to do beyond the hotel and that’s where ticketed entertainment can add serious value. Offering bundled ticket options for local concerts, theatre performances, or popular attractions helps guests get more from their stay without the hassle of planning. It also positions your hotel as a helpful, local expert and not just a place to sleep.
VIP tickets
Some properties take it a step further with VIP access to hotel-exclusive performances. This could be priority seating at an on-site music night or meet-and-greet opportunities with performers. It creates a sense of exclusivity and gives guests something they can’t get elsewhere.
Local partnerships
There’s also huge potential in partnerships with nearby theme parks, museums, and cultural events. By securing special rates or fast-track entry for your guests, you add tangible value to their booking. It’s particularly appealing to families and tourists trying to make the most of a short visit, and it encourages guests to book directly rather than through third-party sites.
Hotel entertainment shows
Live shows on-site can transform a quiet evening into a highlight of a guest’s trip. Even better, they give people a reason to stay on the property, enjoy the atmosphere, and engage with your hotel beyond the room.
Live music
Many hotels run weekly live music events, from laid-back jazz nights in the bar to upbeat performances by local bands. Some host stand-up comedy nights, offering a relaxed, social vibe that appeals to both solo travellers and groups. These regular events create a sense of energy and community, something guests often remember fondly.
Dinner theatres
For something more immersive, interactive dinner theatre adds another layer. Think themed mystery nights, live storytelling, or performances where guests become part of the show. It’s a different kind of entertainment. One that blends food, fun, and memory-making all in one.
Local dance performances
And if your hotel is in a culturally rich area, folk performances, traditional dance, or local storytelling offer guests a deeper connection to the place they’re visiting. These shows not only entertain but help guests feel like they’re experiencing something authentic and unique.
Tech-powered hotel entertainment systems
AI is already changing how guests engage with in-room systems. AI-driven content recommendations suggest movies, music, or games based on guest preferences, much like streaming services at home. Paired with a virtual concierge, guests can easily request room service, book activities, or get local tips without picking up the phone.
Some properties are taking things further with augmented reality (AR). Guests can use their phones or in-room tablets to explore hotel amenities, unlock hidden AR features around the property, or even take virtual tours of nearby attractions. It adds a sense of discovery, especially for families or travellers looking for something different.
Visual entertainment is evolving too. Digital walls in lobbies or rooms can display rotating art, local history, or even guest-generated content like photos or reviews. It creates a dynamic, ever-changing environment that feels alive and connected to both the hotel and the surrounding community.
Annie Hong,
Revenue and Reservations Manager
The RuMa Hotel and Residences
How to choose the right hotel entertainment options for guests
Not every guest is looking for the same experience and that’s why the best entertainment options are the ones tailored to who’s walking through your doors. Understanding the types of hotel guests you serve is the first step in offering entertainment that truly adds value.
Business travellers
Business travellers often want to unwind without straying far from productivity. Think business lounges with live music in the evenings or coworking spaces where they can catch up on work while enjoying a relaxed atmosphere. In-room streaming that feels seamless also helps them decompress after meetings or travel.
Leisure travellers
Leisure travellers tend to look for something more social or immersive. Wine tastings, rooftop events, or VIP access to local attractions can add that extra spark to their stay. Offering ticket bundles or curated entertainment packages shows you’re thinking about their overall experience and not just their room.
Families
Families often need options that engage everyone. Activity zones, game rooms, or interactive shows give kids something to look forward to and give parents a break. In-room gaming bundles or access to family-friendly movies also go a long way.
The key is to match your entertainment offerings with your guests’ needs and adjust as your guest mix changes across seasons or events. When done well, entertainment doesn’t just keep guests happy. It encourages them to stay longer, spend more, and come back.
With SiteMinder, you can manage bookings, personalise guest services, and offer tailored packages that suit every kind of traveller. Whether you’re streamlining operations or elevating the guest experience, it’s all about giving you more control and giving guests more reasons to return.
