From Buffering to Binge-Watching: Creating a Flawless Streaming Experience for Hotel Guests in 2025

Table of Contents

• What Do Hotels Need to Support a Better Streaming Experience?
• What about traditional TV?
• How WorldVue Ensures a Great Streaming Experience for Hotels
• How the WorldVue HUB Enhances the Streaming Experience for Hotel Guests
• Upgrade Your In-Room Entertainment Experience in 2025

As streaming services grow to dominate entertainment, hotel guests increasingly expect seamless access to these platforms during their stay. Unlike a decade ago, when guests used Wi-Fi primarily for email and basic browsing, today’s travelers bring multiple devices and use them for bandwidth-heavy activities like HD streaming, video calls, and gaming. Thus, in 2025, we see a need to focus on improving the streaming experience for hotel guests.

The demand is clear: According to a recent study by Hospitality Technology, 70% of guests take access to streaming services into account when selecting one hotel over another. Our data over the past 2 years show roughly 1/4 of the content viewed in guest rooms is streamed via apps. Our top 3 apps this year are Netflix, YouTube, and Amazon Prime Video. Guests spent over 21 million hours in 2024 watching apps through our streaming services!

In addition, the average traveler connects 3-5 devices during their stay. The chart below shows the types of devices seen on WorldVue-managed networks in 2024, with over 20 million logins.

Our data for 2024 shows an average use of nearly 1.7 GB of data per device – even more for casting and streaming. Along with an increasing number of in-room smart devices, this places a strain on older infrastructure. Without proper planning, this may result in a negative experience with buffering instead of binge-watching.

For hoteliers, meeting these growing demands means rethinking their network design and equipment. The days of a few access points (APs) in hallways are over. Modern hotels need dense, high-performance setups to ensure strong, fast connections throughout the property.

What Do Hotels Need to Support a Better Streaming Experience?

Building a network that can support an improved streaming experience for hotel guests requires careful planning and investment in the right technology. Here are some aspects to consider as we move into 2025:

• Access points (APs) – To handle multiple devices and high bandwidth demands, hoteliers should aim for one AP per room. Shared APs between rooms or in hallways can lead to weak signals and spotty coverage. Investing in enterprise-grade Wi-Fi 6 or even Wi-Fi 7 APs is critical, as they can handle higher data rates and support more simultaneous connections.
• Backhaul infrastructure – High-speed wired connections are essential to support the increased traffic from streaming, videoconferencing, and other high-bandwidth activities. Structured cabling offers an effective way to support a property’s operations. Upgrading to Gigabit Ethernet or multi-gigabit switches can help prevent bottlenecks when many guests are using the network.
• Bandwidth provisioning – For a streaming-friendly network, aim for 3-10 Mbps per device. For a 200-room property, providing 1-2 Gbps of total bandwidth should ensure that guests have the speed they need, even during peak hours.
• Network controllers and monitoring – Centralized controllers can optimize AP performance and ensure reliable connections. Coupled with network monitoring tools, they help identify and resolve issues proactively.
• Wi-Fi in public areas – Common areas like lobbies, conference rooms, and pools also need robust Wi-Fi coverage. Consider installing high-capacity APs in these areas to avoid guest complaints.

What about traditional TV?

Traditional TV is still in demand. In fact, with thousands of properties using the WorldVue HUB™, we saw most users choose traditional linear TV. In 2024, 86% of viewing per occupied room was via traditional channels, a 3% increase from 2023.

To deliver a great IPTV experience, hotels require many of the same technology upgrades as for streaming. This is especially true since more than 80% of the most popular viewed channels provide HD programming. Enterprise-grade APs in rooms and common areas, a solid communications infrastructure, and proactive network management are crucial for all your guest-facing technology.

How WorldVue Ensures a Great Streaming Experience for Hotels

At WorldVue, we understand that delivering a seamless streaming experience is becoming critical to guest satisfaction and loyalty. We design and install networking solutions specifically tailored for the hospitality industry. We provide the infrastructure you need to support streaming and other high-bandwidth demands.

Here are some of the ways we can help:

• Custom Wi-Fi design – Our team ensures optimal placement of high-performance APs, typically one per guest room plus elsewhere as needed. We focus on providing consistent, high-speed coverage throughout your property.
• Cabling infrastructure – We also offer structured cabling design and installation to support your networking needs for guests and operations.
• Bandwidth management – We work with you to provision the right amount of bandwidth and implement traffic prioritization to ensure streaming takes precedence during peak usage times.
• Streaming integration – Our IPTV and in-room entertainment solutions, such as the HUB™, seamlessly integrate with guests’ streaming accounts, enabling them to log in securely and enjoy their favorite content.
• Proactive monitoring – With 24/7 network monitoring and support, we ensure your Wi-Fi stays reliable and responsive, minimizing disruptions for your guests.

How the WorldVue HUB Enhances the Streaming Experience for Hotel Guests

The HUB takes the in-room entertainment experience to the next level by seamlessly integrating streaming into the hotel entertainment. The HUB simplifies access and ensures a smooth, secure experience:

• Guest account integration – Guests can log into their personal streaming accounts directly through the HUB interface. This gives them instant access to their favorite shows and movies. No need to bring extra devices or worry about complicated setups.
• Improvements for security and privacy – The HUB automatically clears all guest credentials upon check-out to protect guest data and privacy.
• Multi-device support – Chromecast™ powered by HUB will allow guests to use the apps on their personal devices for their viewing pleasure with a simple 3-step process.
• Centralized control – Hotels can customize the HUB interface to align with their brand, offering guests an intuitive way to access streaming services alongside hotel-specific content like dining menus or spa bookings.

By incorporating the WorldVue HUB into your property’s technology ecosystem, you create a satisfying experience that aligns with the expectations of today’s travelers.

Upgrade Your In-Room Entertainment Experience in 2025

Streaming demand will only increase as more travelers subscribe to services like Netflix, YouTube, and Amazon Prime Video. Today’s guests don’t just want access – they expect smooth, uninterrupted streaming with no buffering.

Hotels that fail to provide a binge-worthy experience risk falling behind their competitors and upsetting guests. A well-designed Wi-Fi network and infrastructure, coupled with solutions like the WorldVue HUB, ensures guests stay satisfied, leave positive reviews, and return for future stays. Upgrading to modern technology with sufficient AP density, bandwidth provisioning, and streaming integration is no longer optional – it’s essential for staying relevant in hospitality in 2025.

For more information about how WorldVue can help your property deliver streaming-ready Wi-Fi and entertainment solutions, visit www.worldvue.com