Nowadays we have the pleasure of fitting all of our devices into a handbag and carrying them across the world with ease. Our phone, computer, and tablet are portable and you needn’t doubt that they’re going with us everywhere.
The Roku is no exception: it’s small, mighty, and ready to travel the world.
But will your Roku be able to do its job once you reach your final destination, or even a pit stop along the way? Or will you be stuck watching the local news for the entirety of your stay?
Keep reading to find out!
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Can You Use Your Roku in a Hotel Room?
Yes, your Roku can work in a hotel room, depending on the model.
Depending on your Roku model, you will need to check for a few different things on your hotel TV to see if it can be connected to hotel TV. If you have a newer model like the Roku Streaming Stick+ or the Roku Express 4K you’ll need to look for an HDMI port.
The Roku Streaming Stick+ is especially convenient because you won’t need to bring along an HDMI cable to connect it. You will be able to just plug it straight into the TV. Other models that don’t have a built in plug will require an HDMI cable – so don’t forget yours at home!
If you have an older model, you may search for RCA-style connectors behind the TV. This will probably be a bit trickier because maneuvering behind a hotel TV hanging from the wall can be quite the ordeal and also because RCA connectors are less common.
There’s a simple solution, though. You can purchase an RCA to HDMI converter. They’re generally on the small side and are universal, so you won’t have to worry about it taking too much space in your luggage.
If you’re worried about your hotel TV’s state and want to know how to properly prepare, call them in advance and ask. It’s always better to be safe than sorry when planning if your Roku is going international with you.
Do Hotels Block Roku?
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Most hotels do not block Roku.
Every hotel has its policies and its ways to make you comply with them, but in general, hotels do not block Roku.
There is always the question of whether or not you will be able to connect your Roku upon arrival, but this relies on the TV’s hardware, not the hotel’s rules.
However, if the hardware is all in place and you’re still experiencing problems, it may be the hotel Wi-Fi. Some hotel networks block specific connections making it challenging to stream your usual content. If this happens, try connecting via your mobile hotspot instead.
Lastly, it’s important to note that hotel TVs go through wear and tear, and aren’t always properly maintained. So, if everything looks to be in order and your Roku still isn’t connecting, it could be that the ports are too worn down and aren’t as receptive as they used to be.
How to Connect your Roku Device to your Hotel Room’s TV?
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You can connect your Roku to your hotel TV in a few simple steps.
Once you’ve figured out how your Roku connects to the TV (either through HDMI or RCA) and check if the TV has the appropriate sockets, you can go ahead and connect your Roku device.
The Roku Streaming Stick+ can be plugged directly into the HDMI port, but other models may be connected through an HDMI cable.
If you have an older Roku model, connect the RCA cables by either plugging them directly into the TV (if possible), or in the HDMI port via an RCA to HDMI converter.
Then you need to connect your Roku to power. Plug your Roku into a power source, which can either be a wall socket or a USB port.
Unlike other models, the Roku Streaming Stick+ can use the TV as its power source when plugging its corresponding USB cable into the TV’s USB port (commonly found directly next to the HDMI ports).
Press Input on your remote and change it to HDMI 1 or HDMI 2 (depending on the HDMI port you used). Your Roku will then start up and you’re ready to go.
Your remote should connect automatically, but if it doesn’t, press the pairing button found on the backside next to the battery mount.
Once your Roku is connected to both the TV and a power source and your remote is paired, you’re ready to connect it to Wi-Fi.
How to Get Your Roku Working with Hotel Wi-Fi?
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With Hotel and Dorm Connect, connecting your Roku to hotel Wi-Fi has never been easier.
Hotel and Dorm Connect allows you to connect to the public hotel or dorm Wi-Fi in only a few minutes.
Once all of your Roku hardware has been set up, go to Settings, then to Network. From there choose your hotel Wi-Fi.
Follow the directions shown on the screen, which will instruct you to choose the listed Wi-Fi network on your phone, computer, or tablet, and insert the given password.
From there, open a browser and connect to the hotel Wi-Fi with the requested information (e.g. your name, room number, and possibly a password).
And that’s it! You’re ready to start streaming.
Are you more of a visual learner? Watch the video below of a step-by-step tutorial on how to connect your Roku to a hotel TV and Wi-Fi.
Wrapping Things Up
Connecting your Roku to a hotel TV and Wi-Fi may seem daunting at first, but it couldn’t be easier! Just remember to pack your HDMI cable, if needed, your Roku remote, and then you’re then all set.
If you need more information about how to manage your specific Roku model, head over to the official Roku YouTube channel. It features countless tutorials and pro-tips on how best to set up your device.
What’s your experience been like with using a Roku in hotels?
Let us know in the comments!
Yesenia Achlim is a technical copywriter and editor with a focus on AV equipment. She aims to break down complicated topics and make technology accessible, no matter your technical expertise. When she’s not teaching you how to replace a projector lamp, you can find her reading and baking.
Gary L.
Monday 13th of March 2023
Some hotels’ wifi bandwidth is intentionally limited, or they charge a premium for streaming bandwidth. All you can do is try it.