'Utilise GST rate cuts': Ex-Shark Ashneer Grover has an upgrade request for Taj and Oberoi Hotels; Millions react online

Do you ever switch on the TV in a hotel room and immediately wonder why it feels so outdated? Indian entrepreneur and reality TV star Ashneer Grover has recently struck a chord with travellers nationwide after sharing his thoughts about the state of television sets in hotel rooms. His post on X (formerly Twitter) has gone viral, igniting a debate about hotel amenities and modern expectations.

In his post, Ashneer criticised the old TVs still found in many hotel rooms, calling them slow, outdated, and paired with “irritating set-top boxes.” He specifically urged hotel chains to upgrade to 55-inch Smart LED TVs, noting that with the recent GST rate cuts, the upgrade would not be a major expense.



Ashneer wrote, “Hotel chains in India - kind request and humble feedback - simply upgrade and put 55" Smart LED TVs in all your rooms. Will cost Rs 30K / room (around 2 days' room rate). Utilise the GST rate cuts. No one uses your outdated, slow TVs with your hotel software, menus, spa descriptions, 2 remotes and irritating set-top boxes.”

The post resonated with many users online. Several X users agreed, emphasising that hotel TVs should allow streaming from platforms like Netflix, Prime Video, or Disney+. Parents particularly highlighted the struggle of finding kid-friendly content on hotel room TVs.



However, not everyone shared Ashneer’s concern. Some social media users admitted they rarely use hotel TVs nowadays, preferring laptops or tablets to stream shows and movies. A few even suggested that hotels could do away with in-room televisions altogether and invest in other amenities instead.



The debate has highlighted a larger question: are hotel rooms keeping up with the digital age? While business travellers may barely glance at the television during their stay, leisure tourists increasingly expect smart TVs, fast connectivity, and streaming options as part of a comfortable stay.

Ashneer Grover’s post has so far garnered over 1.2 million views on X and has sparked conversations across other social media platforms, from Instagram to LinkedIn. His call for smart TVs in hotel rooms has certainly made hoteliers sit up and think, and perhaps rethink their in-room entertainment strategy.

Whether you agree with him or not, the discussion reflects a shift in travellers’ expectations. For many, hotel rooms are no longer just a place to sleep, they are mini living spaces, and technology plays a huge part in the experience.