March 9th, 2026
InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) maintains protocols for hospitality technology brand standards to ensure consistent guest experiences across their properties. With brands ranging from Holiday Inn and Crowne Plaza to Staybridge Suites and Candlewood Suites, IHG properties must meet strict requirements for in-room entertainment, HVAC performance, appliance specifications, and digital platform integration.
For hotel owners, developers, and asset managers, understanding IHG technology brand standards is critical when budgeting for renovations, preparing for a Property Improvement Plan (PIP), or opening a new build. Non-compliant equipment, especially consumer-grade TVs or legacy HVAC systems, can delay approvals and increase capital expenditures.
Below is a detailed breakdown of IHG’s current hospitality technology expectations, including TVs, PTAC units, appliances, accessories, and IHG Studio platform upgrades.
Before we dive into the brand standards for IHG Hotels, here's a list of all of the brands in the IHG family.
IHG Hotels & Resorts operates 19 hotel brands worldwide across luxury, premium, essentials, extended stay, and collections.
Here is a structured list of the IHG hotel brands by category.
High-end properties focused on luxury experiences, design, and destination appeal.
InterContinental Hotels & Resorts
Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas
Regent Hotels & Resorts
Vignette Collection
Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants
Hotel Indigo
Upscale brands aimed at business and leisure travelers.
voco
Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts
EVEN Hotels
Focused on comfort, efficiency, and value for everyday travel.
Holiday Inn
Holiday Inn Express
Holiday Inn Club Vacations
Garner
avid hotels
Designed for longer stays with kitchen facilities and apartment-style layouts.
Staybridge Suites
Candlewood Suites
Atwell Suites
Recently launched economy extended stay concept.
Iberostar Beachfront Resorts
Holiday Inn Resort
Guest room televisions have evolved into interactive digital hubs. In IHG hotels, the TV serves as a primary guest touchpoint, supporting streaming, casting, branded messaging, and secure content delivery.
IHG requires hospitality-grade televisions specifically engineered for hotel environments. These commercial models are designed for durability, centralized management, and compatibility with IP-based entertainment platforms. Retail televisions are not approved substitutes, as they lack necessary firmware controls, DRM security, and lifecycle support.
IHG hotels must deploy brand-approved hospitality TV models that:
Support IHG Studio requirements, including app-based streaming and branded UI experiences.
Comply with Pro:Idiom or equivalent digital rights management for secure content delivery.
Include Wi-Fi or IP-based casting functionality for guest devices.
Are large enough (typically minimum screen sizes and 4K capability) to meet guest expectations and brand tier standards.
Integrate with IPTV or IP content systems for centralized content management.
Approved hospitality TV manufacturers commonly include Samsung, LG, and Philips, whose commercial models are built for extended availability cycles, locked inputs, customizable welcome screens, and remote diagnostics.
IHG Studio is the standardized in-room entertainment and digital interface platform across many IHG brands.
IHG Studio enables branded user interfaces, guest device casting, secure streaming, and integration with property-level IP infrastructure.
From a technology compliance perspective, IHG Studio is central to many Property Improvement Plan (PIP) reviews.
During renovations or PIPs, properties may be required to:
Upgrade older TVs to models capable of running IHG Studio.
Transition from legacy coax systems to IP-based streaming or IPTV infrastructure.
Ensure guest device casting, secure streaming, and brand UI elements are enabled and compliant.
Hotels operating with legacy coaxial systems or outdated firmware often need infrastructure modernization, including upgraded switches, cabling, and bandwidth capacity. Planning these upgrades early in a renovation cycle prevents last-minute PIP deficiencies and avoids guest disruption after reopening.
Climate comfort directly influences guest satisfaction scores and online reviews. IHG engineering standards emphasize quiet performance, reliability, and energy efficiency for PTAC (Packaged Terminal Air Conditioner) systems.
Hospitality-grade HVAC systems must withstand high occupancy turnover while maintaining consistent temperature control across diverse climate regions.
IHG requires PTAC units that:
Are energy-efficient and quiet in operation to reduce complaints and improve ratings.
Meet IHG engineering performance standards for heating and cooling capacity.
Are compatible with guest automation systems (e.g., occupancy sensors or smart controls where applicable).
In coastal or high-humidity regions, use corrosion-resistant components per engineering recommendations.
Selecting IHG-approved PTAC units reduces the risk of premature failure, excessive noise complaints, and PIP compliance issues. Energy-efficient HVAC systems also contribute to reduced operating expenses and sustainability alignment, increasingly important within global hotel portfolios.
IHG’s in-room appliance requirements vary by brand tier, but all properties must meet hospitality-grade durability and safety standards. Appliances significantly influence guest comfort, particularly in extended-stay brands where kitchen functionality is central to the guest experience.
When researching “what appliances do I need for my IHG hotel,” owners should review brand-specific design guides and extended-stay specifications.
IHG expects properties to provide:
Guest room refrigerators and beverage coolers designed for hospitality use.
In-room safes that meet security and size specifications.
Coffee makers and beverage systems aligned with brand aesthetics and reliability.
In extended-stay brands, full kitchenette packages including larger refrigerators, cooktops, or microwaves.
Extended-stay brands such as Staybridge Suites and Candlewood Suites may require mid-size or full-size refrigeration units and cooktop integration to meet guest expectations for longer-term stays.
Hospitality-rated appliances ensure compliance with fire codes, ADA guidelines, and energy standards, while preventing warranty voids that often occur when residential appliances are used in commercial environments.
While TVs and HVAC systems receive the most attention, guest room accessories and installation hardware frequently appear on PIP deficiency reports.
IHG properties are expected to install:
Hospitality-rated TV mounts and brackets that ensure secure, tamper-proof installations.
ADA-compliant in-room hardware and controls for universal accessibility.
Robust power accessories and charging stations designed for high usage and fire safety compliance.
Appropriately integrated cable management and cabling infrastructure
Commercial-grade mounts and ADA-compliant hardware support guest safety and minimize liability exposure. Proper cable management ensures compliance with engineering inspections and prevents aesthetic inconsistencies.
IHG technology compliance is not limited to equipment selection, it requires documentation, integration planning, and vendor coordination.
To ensure brand standard compliance and smooth project outcomes:
Select hospitality-grade, IHG-approved technology rather than consumer products.
Verify IHG Studio compatibility with TV models before procurement.
Document all technology installations and configurations for PIP documentation.
Work with suppliers familiar with IHG brand standards to avoid specification errors.
Plan technology upgrades early in renovation timelines to avoid delays or retrofit penalties.
Proactive planning reduces change orders, accelerates inspection approvals, and protects long-term asset value.
IHG’s hospitality technology brand standards are structured to ensure:
Consistent guest experiences across global properties
Modern in-room entertainment via IHG Studio-compatible hospitality TVs
Quiet, energy-efficient climate comfort through approved PTAC systems
Durable, compliant guest room appliances and accessories
Smooth PIP approvals through documented technology upgrades
From IP-based entertainment systems to HVAC engineering requirements, appliance standards, and installation hardware, each component contributes to a seamless and brand-consistent guest experience.
For owners, developers, and asset managers, aligning with IHG hospitality technology standards is not just about compliance, it’s about future-proofing your property, maximizing operational efficiency, and delivering the digital experience today’s travelers expect.
If you have any additional questions about the different hotel technology brand standards, particularly with hospitality TVs, feel free to reach out to our hotel tech experts directly.
Supplemental Info: If you're considering opening a hotel, we put together the Ultimate Guide to Opening a Hotel that covers all of the bases for this huge endeavor.
Adding to our series on hotel technology brand standards, here's an article covering brand standards for hospitality PTACs and thermostats updated for 2026.
The major hotel chain’s 2026 hospitality TV brand standards for size & features. Our hotel tech product team put together a list. Compare now.
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