Investor · Shelton, CT · Member since 2016 · 218 posts · 225 votes
Hello BiggerPockets VR friends! I've heard that some people offer their guests Netflix. We own a VR cabin in Gatlinburg, TN and this would seem to be a really nice amenity to consider adding. Here's the problem, I work in healthcare and plead technology ignorance, LOL! How exactly would it work? First off, do you need to have a certain type of TV set, i.e. smart tv? Do guests use there own Netflix account? What is the typical out of pocket expense to me as an owner?
A side note, anyone looking to connect and discuss VRs, I'd love to call you a colleague! Feel free to send me a colleague request.
We have one Airbnb short-term rental. We provide high speed internet and limited basic cable through Comcast Xfinity. It includes our local broadcast channels, 10 HBO channels and 50 Music Choice channels. Our guests who want anything more can stream from their own accounts onto their own devices. Most of our guests don't watch TV at all while they are here. Instead they are out sightseeing, attending events, and enjoying the local entertainment and dining options. None of our guests have commented that they would have liked us to offer anything more. We've been doing this for over a year and are Super Hosts. I wouldn't spend the money for Netflix.
we use an apple tv on each screen and just keep our accounts logged in. works great. some people use their own log ins when they want. most TVs are smart TVs now, so you could just have one of those with Netflix logged in. it's $9 a month, so cheap!
I feel if you were to advertise or offer that your rental has netflix you would be providing the account for them to use along with the hardware to access it.
The exception would be if you posted "netflix ready" meaning you have a smart tv, roku or other form of device that will connect the renter to netflix services using their own account.
For a basic netflix package it's around 9$ per month, plus you'll need to provide Internet access for that device. So in that case you could even advertise that you have wifi or Internet access available as well.
We have one Airbnb short-term rental. We provide high speed internet and limited basic cable through Comcast Xfinity. It includes our local broadcast channels, 10 HBO channels and 50 Music Choice channels. Our guests who want anything more can stream from their own accounts onto their own devices. Most of our guests don't watch TV at all while they are here. Instead they are out sightseeing, attending events, and enjoying the local entertainment and dining options. None of our guests have commented that they would have liked us to offer anything more. We've been doing this for over a year and are Super Hosts. I wouldn't spend the money for Netflix.
We advertise that our TV's are SmarTV's and they are welcomed to log into any of the streaming accounts they might have for entertainment. We also have our personal $9.99 Netflix account setup and have a user names "Cabin" that we ask them to use. Has worked out well so far!
I think added entertainment is a great perk. While a lot of guests are out and about they also like to stay in and chill at times. It is also nice when there is bad weather that keeps them inside.
It won't cost you a thing if you are already paying for the internet. In the past I had guests use my Netflix account but I think Netflix put a 4 limit log on so I have guests use their own account. I haven't had any complaints about them using their own account. Netflix is a great amenity especially with their expansion of movies and TV shows. You can have a smart TV, roku box, apple TV, or any other streaming box that's out there.
Last July only, I bought a large screen TV with Roku integrated and created a new Guest account from my existing Netflix subscription. (No additional cost ). includes some live programs like CNN go (not live), Reuter and Fox news as well as a few kids channels. I didn't add cable TV. It looks like it's more than enough. I have the impression that my guests think (without putting it in the way i do) that a home without TV does not feel like home, even though they only watch it 5 minutes before going to bed. I have the impression that the news channels and the kids channels are watched briefly (much more than Netflix) . But I'm in LA, guests don't stay home, it may be different elsewhere.
My TV purchase was triggered by a 3 weeks long guest who asked for it. Before that, for my LA unit, I didn't have TV and was still almost full.
We have a VRBO lake house. People are at the dock most of the day. No one has ever asked for this. When I travel I take my Amazon Firestick and or my Google chrome cast to display netflicks on a TV. I just need an decent Wi-Fi speed to make either work.
If you did want to add this and don't have smart tv's, then you could add a Blue ray players that has this and have a $9.99 Net Flicks account.
Just add instructions in your house book on how to use it.
You can just tack a Roku box/stick on a TV (small device so a theft issue) and they use there own netflix or for old tech I think the Wii connected too. Anyone who has cable often has the ability to watch their cable from smart TV through a log in (limited selections). It might be best just to upgrade the TV. We just made the student renters happy getting a vizio cast TV. You can send whatever you have on the phone to the TV. I was able to cast my library selections from hoopla to the TV. Easy to use once set up , for most they get a screen with the various services they may subscribe too. If you get an account you need to log it in or change the password regularily because you can use it from anywhere. helpful on a rainy day or if someone is sick and has to hole up in the cabin.
Thank you everyone! I did a bit of research and spoke to my tech-savvy buddy of mine and it sounds like with a smart TV anyone can log into their own Netflix account. I agree with those who don't vacation to stay in their place of lodging but be it bad weather or just relaxing at night, it is a nice option to have. Where we are in Gatlinburg, "theater rooms" are very popular in the cabins so it's nothing unusual.
I operate almost 30 units in the San Francisco Bay Area. AirBnB and VRBO guests expect some sort of video entertainment to be provided for them is my experience whether it is cable/satellite or an online service like Netflix.
Because pay tv services are typically pretty expensive we make sure all of our units have a Netflix account that the guests can use. This is pretty inexpensive as we only need a few Netflix accounts to cover all of the units (Netflix allows up to 4 simultaneous streams).
I have some strong opinions on user friendliness though! In my opinion none of the "Smart" TV's are very easy to use with clumsy remotes and non-intuitive menu options with one exception (see below):
In my experience the Roku solutions are the best and easiest for people to figure out. My recommendations are :
1. New TV - make sure to get a TCL brand TV with Roku built in from Amazon or Costco
2. Existing TV - get a Roku box or stick but make sure you get the model with a WiFi remote. The lower end Roku units without the Wifi remote are not as responsive and easy to use.
The new Apple TV units I think are not easy to use because of the touch sensitive remote - requires too much dexterity for an older person or child to use effectively.
I have 22 furnished rentals. The better half of the houses have an HDTV in the living room. The HDTV is a Smart TV or is connected to a BluRay player that provides streaming services. Either way, my renters can use their own Netflix, Hulu or Amazon Prime account to stream what they want.
In this day and age, if someone doesn't have one of those accounts it is because they can't afford it or the idea of streaming does not appeal to them.
If they can't afford it, they definitely can't afford to stay in a STR.
If streaming doesn't appeal to them, why should you pay for the service?
What I'm trying to say is put a Smart TV or a streaming BluRay player in your place. I'd suggest a BluRay because movies come out on Redbox before they come out on streaming.
It increases your rental chances, but definitely not an additional charge. You need a high speed internet connection, mine is 100 mbps and it is smooth and nice, then you need a chromecast or roku which is less than 100, monthly subscriptions vary, each less than 15. I dont have cable, I have a roku and chromecast, i have spectrum tv around 30/mo out the door, it has 100+ live tv channels plus on demand. It's expensive than other options but I believe it best fits for me, you can go with cheaper like netflix or hulu, but I use it personally and will use it wherever I go (sometimes I bring my chromecast with me).
@Carlos Carbajal so you're saying the good brand to purchase for a smart TV is TCL? And this brand of TV is available at Costco? Not being much of a TV/movie watcher myself, what in your opinion is more prevalent Netflix or Roku? I think it's important to appeal to the most people so if more of the general public has Netflix vs Roku, that's probably the wiser route to pursue. I agree that it is EXTREMELY important that remotes are as uncomplicated as possible and to be perfectly honest, as large as they possibly can be due to lose. I live 800 miles away and nothing would annoy me more than to get a message from a current guest saying the smart TV remote is missing and their kids are going crazy because they want to watch a movie.
Netflix only streams what is in the Netflix library.
A Roku is more universal. It has Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu and a bunch more streaming options. All these options usually have some sort of monthly membership, but there are still free channels and services on Roku.
Netflix is like a page out of a book. Roku is the whole book.
@Jeff Piscioniere yes TCL is a great brand - they are actually the largest TV manufacturer in China and are making some inroads into the USA. I just checked online and it looks like Best Buy and WalMart carry TCL TV's now too.
OK key point - Roku is actually the software and remote you would use to watch Netflix. So let's say Netflix is the most popular video service in the USA (which it is). What I am suggesting is that the Roku is the easiest way for your guests to watch Netflix (or other video services like Hulu or HBO Go.)
Currently only one TV brand has Roku built in (that I know of) and that is TCL.
I didn't read all of this but those 55" TCLs at walmart for $400 are hard to beat. Also... xfinity has netflix built in these days. We are BYOpassword.
my two cents: people whonare tech saavy enough to know what a roku tv is are saavy enough to have their own login accounts. My N=1 opinion is that most people only care about high speed wifi that doesnt lag.
The TCL is a great option, as an alternative, Samsung TVs have Netflix, Hulu, Amazon and HBO built in, no additional hardware required and it uses the same remote as the TV just like the TCL in some cases.
When I'm furnishing units I tend to watch deal sites like a hawk and grab the 55" ones that come up, I bought the last two Samsung's for $400/ea.
We do the same thing as a few posters mentioned, guests can log into any of the services they'd like but we don't supply a house account. Our turnover includes the cleaning person turning on the TV and logging out of any guest accounts that forgot to do that before departure. Usually she logs into her own account and watches things while she cleans, so if nothing else, happy cleaner! :D
We just put an Amazon Firestick with Kodi in one of our Airbnb rentals. Kodi is one of those things that most people may not know about. Those who do know how good it is. Total cost $35, plus about an hour to set up.
I totally forgot about TCL's. They are 4k Roku smart TV's and they are dirt cheap. I bought a 55" TCL for one of my private rooms for $200 off of the FB Marketplace. Everything a guest would need is on there. HBO, Starz, Netflix, etc.
@Sterling Cox Do you get a lot of guests asking you questions about how to work Kodi? I personally use it on my G. Box but I've noticed people that aren't tech savvy hate the G.Box and Firestick.
@Myka I was at Walmart today and they now have stacks of 32" TCLs with Roku for $169. Unreal. I have a 50" LG in my own bedroom from circuit city circa 2004 that cost me around $1700. It's still kicking though!
@Luke Carl Yeah they're dirt cheap! Check out FB Marketplace or Offerup. You can get a 55" - 60" for under $300. I even put one in my personal bedroom. They're not bad TV's either. You kick on Netflix with the 4k UHD settings and it's crystal clear.
We just finished furnishing our first VR and chose the TCL Roku 4k TV's. They are a very good TV for our purposes. Not the best but more than good enough for those who just need a distraction for a bit.
Another good thing about the TCL is replacement remotes are cheap (usually under 10 bucks) and work automatically. No programming required. Available on Amazon and other places.
I am sure there will be some good deals on TV's this Black Friday. I bought the 55" for $398 and the 43" for $198 for the kids bunkhouse room. Easy to connect to WiFI and the remote is simple.
We are trying to decide if we want to offer Dish service. With all the streaming options available on the Roku platform, it is hard to justify the monthly cost. One good thing is you can put the Dish Network account on "away" or "vacation house" mode. They turn off the service and charge a $5 per month service fee while the house is empty (if you don't have a 4 season rental).