Hotel Communication Network (HCN) today announced compelling results from a guest survey conducted at a luxury hotel in downtown Chicago. The study involved 179 hotel guests and evaluated perceptions and interaction with HCN Tablets featuring breakthrough AI Concierge technology. HCN’s new advertising platform allows major urban hotels to install fully integrated tablets that automate guest room technologies and enable hotels to deliver personalized guest experiences aligned with their brand, while earning significant revenues from a share of the advertising and ecommerce revenues generated through the tablet.
HCN’s internal data shows that 94.25% of guests during the month of November 2025 used HCN’s tablets during their stay in installed hotels, which includes both ad-supported and ad-free hotels. The level of usage shows a slight increase in hotels where ads or sponsored content are shown on the tablets. Survey results show overwhelmingly positive guest sentiment toward the sponsored content:
97% described the advertising as “relevant and non-intrusive” or were neutral towards it.
77% said the content “added value to their stay”
29% reported they “engaged with or acted on” an offer or promotion, demonstrating massive increases in engagement over traditional digital channels, which typically generate less than 1% engagement.
“These results are exactly what we anticipated,” said Kevin Bidner, Chief Executive Officer of HCN. “Hoteliers are recognizing that in-room digital engagement no longer needs to avoid advertising. Guests expect high-quality, relevant content as part of their experience. When done right, it enhances rather than disrupts their stay. In fact, in hotels where our advertising platform is activated, we are seeing engagement rates three to four times higher than hotels who have not activated advertising.”
Advertising that Guests Welcome and Hotels Profit From
Today’s hotel guests are in a unique state of mind: relaxed, receptive, and ready to spend. Whether traveling for business or leisure, they’re making decisions about dining, entertainment, and shopping. HCN’s media network allows marketers to reach these consumers at precisely the right moment—when they’re most open to influence.
HCN works with leading edge ad-tech partners to ensure sponsored content is relevant to the traveling consumer. This advanced approach ensures a brand-safe, fraud-free experience that delivers value-added content to guests. HCN’s new media platform is a powerful marketing platform for national brands, reaching consumers who are more receptive to trying new products and services. It also creates a new marketing engine for hoteliers, who can integrate their loyalty and CRM systems to better target guests in their hotels with personalized messaging. Participating hotels receive a share of advertising revenues, turning what was an expense in the marketing budget into a revenue generator.
“Through targeted advertising, upsell tools, and real-time engagement, HCN Tablets generate new revenue streams, higher guest satisfaction, and stronger brand loyalty—all while reducing operational friction,” Bidner said. “Our messaging tools guarantee that 100% of guests see key hotel promotions, from room upgrades to local experiences, maximizing both guest enjoyment and hotel profitability.”
In 2025, 199 million ads were via HCN on its tablets. In that time, the company received only two complaints: The first was because a single advertiser purchased 100% of the ad space on the tablets, monopolizing screen time. Guests found that to be overkill and irritating. Measures have been taken by HCN to ensure a content monopoly can never happen again. The second was due to an ad purchased by an advertiser described as “radically left wing” by hotel management. The location of the hotel was in a predominantly right wing state. Measures have also been taken to ensure that advertising content is at the discretion of the hotel.
Beyond Ads: A smarter, connected guest experience
Each HCN Tablet replaces multiple in-room devices—phone, TV remote, clock, and radio—while integrating smart room controls, AI-driven concierge functions, and interactive features such as:
Direct in-room messaging and marketing
Hotel and restaurant delivery options
AI itinerary planning
Interactive city guides and event listings
Local retail and entertainment recommendations
Music streaming, digital magazines, and more
“HCN Tablets with our exclusive AI Concierge are a game changer,” said Bidner. “They’re not just engagement tools—they are operational engines. With PMS and room control integration, usage rates are normally 400% higher than QR codes and mobile apps. This is the kind of engagement modern hoteliers need to succeed in today’s fragmented media world.”
For hotel brands that prefer an ad-free experience, HCN still offers a traditional fee-based model. Even without ads, properties can achieve strong ROI through programs like Guest Choice, which enables guests to opt out of housekeeping and save hotels $15–$30 per room—more than covering the tablet’s cost.
For more information about HCN Tablets, visit www.hcn-inc.com