Do You Provide TV Options?

Question

I'm probably overthinking this, but is it common practice to provide any kind of cable TV or Netflix etc. in a STR? I have been strictly renting to MTR tenants and have provided nothing more than a smart TV and internet access.

John Underwood · Answer

We have cable or YouTube TV.

Can't be cheap on this.

We even advertise if someone else isn't offering cable channels what else are they cutting corners on? Stay with us, we don't cut corners!

Andrew Steffens · Answer

Depends on price point and market.  Typically I recommend on $150 ADR a night and lower a smart TV with Roku is fine.  Higher end get streaming cable set up.

Lauren Kormylo · Answer

I have streaming only, with Roku TVs and fast internet. No complaints.

Michael Baum · Answer

Hey @Mike Sather you will get differing setups from folks.

For us, we provide smart TV's (Roku) and internet and no satellite TV (no cable where we are at). We don't provide any streaming accounts. People use their own. Plus Roku is easy to use and find free streaming channels like Tubi.

It has been just fine for us. Zero issues.

I know that @John Underwood for example provides TV in addition to streaming at some of his places. It all depends on the situation.

Scott White · Answer

My longest-term MTR guest's first sentence to me ever was "How many TVs are there?"People love their TVs. In the rentals where I wanted to provide a more relaxing, unplugged experience, guests were still all "Where're the TVs?!?".Now I provide a modestly sized (42-48") TV in every bedroom, and a big one in the living room. Why fight it.Rokus are like magic for STRs, thanks to their 'Guest Mode' option. New guests are prompted for their check-out date, and then they use their own logins for Netflix, Max, etc. At the end of their stay, it logs them out of everything automatically. Rokus also provide free streaming access to live local channels (CBS etc.), which satisfies the "just wanna flip the standard channels" crowd. And all this for no monthly fee.I do prefer TVs with Roku built right in vs. a separate Roku device, because guests change the inputs, unplug the Roku box so they can plug in their own PlayStation, etc. Built-in Roku functionality just flat-out works when you turn on the TV.

Nathan Gesner · Answer

Smart TV with Guest mode. The guest can log into any of their apps (Netflix, Paramount, etc.) and the TV automatically logs them off once their stay is over.

Even old people with no streaming services can watch the hundreds of free ROKU channels with commercials. Cable and Sat TV are completely unnecessary.

Collin Hays · Answer

We provide basic cable with sports channels, or youtube TV, depending on the location.  never had a complaint.

Andrew Street · Answer

Hi Mike - For STRs, a smart TV with internet is usually plenty since most people just log into their own streaming accounts. If you want to go the extra mile, adding something like Netflix or Disney+ is a nice bonus, especially for families or higher-end guests, but it’s not a must.Cable TV? Honestly, most people don’t expect it anymore unless you're catering to older guests or sports fans. Keeping it simple with a smart TV works, but one popular streaming service could make guests feel extra taken care of without much effort on your end.Let's discuss more. I'd be happy to connect!

Yu Liu · Answer

Depends on the area. My market is a tertiary market so not a large metro and not a vacation market. I provide Roku TVs and the trinity of subscriptions: Netflix, Hulu, and Disney + and it has been fine

Bruce Woodruff · Answer

Internet + Fubo + Firesticks on all TVs. Although a lot of people don't watch TV while on vacation, some still do, especially for sports. It's only $150 mo and IMO, you'll look really cheap not having a good working setup......

Do You Provide TV Options?

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