IHG AirPlay connectivity has started to roll out at selected North American properties by introducing in-room compatible technology, allowing secure streaming from guests’ devices.
IHG AirPlay Begins Rollout
IHG Hotels & Resorts has announced the rollout of Apple AirPlay connectivity across more than 60 of its properties in North America, which started on April 18th.
This, along with adopting “smart and voice assistants,” has been a long time coming in the hotel industry. This innovative move will allow guests staying at any of these properties to securely stream content directly from their iPhone, iPad, or MacBook devices to the in-room LG TVs.
The complete list of the sixty IHG brand hotels included in the initial rollout can be found on the IHG website. The list contains a reasonable mix of Kimpton, Hotel Indigo, Candlewood Suites, and InterContinental Hotels & Resorts properties.
The integration of AirPlay into IHG’s guest experience means visitors can now use their Apple devices to privately stream shows and movies from Apple TV+, listen to music on platforms such as Spotify, and even play games available on Apple Arcade.
The service is also tailored for business travellers and fitness enthusiasts, directly allowing streaming presentations and fitness routines from apps like Apple Fitness+ onto the larger screen of their hotel room’s TV. So if the hotel gym is a bit basic or some of the equipment is “out of order” again, then travellers can still get a class in!
Secure Streaming
IHG says setting up AirPlay in its rooms will be seamless and secure.
Guests need to scan a QR code displayed on the in-room TV to connect their devices, which will link them to the room’s specific TV and Wi-Fi network. This unique QR code ensures that all content shared during the stay remains private and personal.
Importantly, the system is designed to automatically erase all connections once the guest checks out, safeguarding against any potential privacy breaches.
As a regular occupier of hotel rooms, I hope that these selected resorts have had some investment in their Wi-Fi network and bandwidth ahead of this rollout.
Before leaving home, downloading a playlist, movie, or TV series should help with any potential buffering issues once you arrive at the hotel. ALWAYS check that the QR code you are scanning is the original.
While QR codes are fast and convenient, scammers can easily stick their own code over the original and direct you to anywhere they want you.
The capability is currently available for users with recent Apple devices, including iPhone XS and later models running iOS 17.3 or newer, as well as various iPad models like the 6th generation iPad and later, which must be operating on iPadOS 17.3 or later.
The decision to enable AirPlay supports IHG’s commitment to enhancing guest convenience and personalization through technology. In the upcoming months, IHG plans to extend this feature to additional properties to improve guests’ in-room experience across its global network.
Hotels and resorts included in this rollout will have an Apple Airplay section on their website, notifying travellers of the feature ahead of their stay.
