Netflix is gaining steam with letting people watch their favorite movies and shows at hotels thanks to a collaboration with Marriott International.
The hotel company says it is conducting tests at eight of its establishments and will allow guests to stream content, providing a new in-room entertainment service in the process, according to Bloomberg. Access to popular online services Hulu and Pandora will also be available.
The move is the latest made by Marriott to make Netflix available to its guests, with past efforts including having the service available in a free premium Internet package.
"We have invited leading technology companies and content providers to work with us to design the next wave in in-room entertainment focusing on on-demand programing," said John Wolf, a spokesman for Marriott. "We are currently offering guests in eight hotels the opportunity to stream their content through our high-definition TVs from multiple content providers."
Hotel guests can already use Wi-Fi-connected laptops and tablets to get Netflix, but Marriott and the internet streaming company have the opportunity to make more money by making the service available in guest-room TVs, Bloomberg reported. Hotels will also be able to attract more guests who want to watch programs besides the ones you normally see on TV.
The announcement of the test follows recent criticism Marriott has received over blocking guests from using personal Wi-Fi hotspots, which resulted in an investigation by the Federal Communications Commission and a $600,000 settlement, The Verge reported. Working with Netflix is sure to improve guests' opinions of the Bethesda, Maryland-based company.
Whether guests will either pay for Netflix as part of the room bill or as an additional service has yet to be revealed. It is also unclear as to which of Marriott hotels will participate in the test.
