In an era where travelers can book accommodations with a single online click, the hospitality industry faces an undeniable truth: guests don’t just want a place to sleep—they want an experience. The thriving hotels are those that transform from mere lodging providers into local experience curators. This is where hyper-local entertainment content becomes not just a nice-to-have amenity, but a competitive necessity.
The Local Connection Gap
Today’s travelers arrive at your property with a critical question: “What should I do here?” They’re scrolling through generic travel apps, asking front desk staff the same questions repeatedly, or worse—feeling disconnected from the destination they traveled to experience. This represents a missed opportunity for hoteliers to add value at the exact moment guests need it most.
Why Local Channels Matter
Providing local broadcast channels where available1 in guest rooms does more than check the box when it comes to entertainment: it helps create an immediate sense of locality. Local news, weather, and programming can help guests feel connected to their surroundings. Business travelers can help gain insights into the local business culture. Leisure travelers with families discover local events through community programming. This simple offer transforms a hotel room into a window to the destination itself.
In fact, a recent independent study shows that guests are willing to pay more for entertainment that includes local programming: 61% of business travelers and leisure travelers with children would pay more for easy access to local, live and on demand TV, and music. Additionally, 68% of business travelers and 70% of leisure travelers with children would switch hotels for those same features^.
The Advanced Entertainment Platform Advantage
Modern guests expect modern solutions. The Advanced Entertainment Platform takes hyper-local content to the next level by integrating CitySeeker and EventSeeker apps directly into the in-room entertainment system.
CitySeeker serves as your guests’ personal local guide, offering curated recommendations for restaurants, attractions, shopping, and hidden gems even locals love. Guests can discover the authentic neighborhood bistro three blocks away. Rather than tourist traps, they find the art gallery opening this weekend or the historic site that makes your location unique.
EventSeeker helps ensure your guests never miss what’s happening during their stay. Concerts, festivals, sporting events, theater performances, and community gatherings—all accessible from the comfort of their room. This real-time event discovery transforms a standard business trip into a memorable evening at a local jazz club or helps leisure traveling families find the farmers market happening Saturday morning.
The Business Case
The benefits of hyper-local content extend beyond guest satisfaction. When you help guests discover local experiences, you help position your hotel as an indispensable resource rather than just a place to stay.
This helps drive:
- Increased guest satisfaction scores and positive reviews
- Higher likelihood of repeat bookings from guests who associate your property with great local experiences
- Reduced front desk inquiries, freeing staff for more meaningful guest interactions
- Stronger community relationships as you drive business to local establishments
The Bottom Line
Hyper-local content isn’t about adding another amenity—it’s about fundamentally enhancing your hotel’s value proposition. By combining traditional local channels with innovative tools like CitySeeker and EventSeeker on the Advanced Entertainment Platform, you’re not just providing entertainment; you’re delivering the authentic, connected experience today’s travelers demand.
In a competitive hospitality landscape, the hotels helping guests truly experience their destination will be the ones guests remember, recommend, and return to.
Get the Ultimate in Entertainment with DIRECTV HOSPITALITY
Ready to get started? DIRECTV HOSPITALITY offers flexible and affordable TV solutions for hotels of every size. Plus, benefit from nationwide availability, enjoy 99% worry-free signal reliability*, hassle-free professional installation and equipment subsidies. Visit us online to learn more about hospitality solutions for your hotel.
1Local channels not available in all areas. *Based on a Nationwide Study of representative cities. ^HUB Entertainment “Guest Media Research” Survey conducted April 2024 with 1,200 U.S. consumers 21+ who stayed five or more nights in hotels within the past 12 months. Advanced Entertainment Platform (AEP): Professional install. req’d. Req’s one receiver per TV, each sold separately. Add’l monthly fee of $1.99 per room per month applies. Each TV must have available HDMI port. Req’d programming: Entertainment or above and Local Channels. 4K programming w/AEP req’s compatible TV and ENTERTAINMENT, XTRA or ULTIMATE™ and Local Channels. Req’s broadband internet access w/ recommended speed of 25 Mbps per 100 receivers. Internet access not included. Compatibility: COM2000 w/ COM51 card or COM3000. Other system limits and requirements may apply. ©2026 DIRECTV. DIRECTV and all other DIRECTV marks are trademarks of DIRECTV, LLC. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.
