‘Put Smart TVs, Use GST Cuts’: Ashneer Grover Slams Hotels for Outdated Guest Room Tech
‘Put Smart TVs, Use GST Cuts’: Ashneer Grover Slams Hotels for Outdated Guest Room Tech
Grover says outdated TVs, complex remotes frustrate guests; GST reforms offer cost relief
Ashneer Grover, former co-founder of BharatPe, has criticised India’s hotel chains for failing to upgrade their in-room entertainment systems. Taking to social media on Sunday, Grover urged hotels to replace their “outdated, slow TVs” with modern smart screens, pointing out that the cost could be offset by recent Goods and Services Tax (GST) reforms.
“Hotel chains in India – kind request and humble feedback – simply upgrade and put 55” Smart LED TVs in all your rooms. Will cost ₹30K per room (~2 days room rate). Utilise the GST rate cuts. No one uses your outdated slow TVs with your hotel softwares, menus, spa descriptions, 2 remotes and irritating set-top boxes,” Grover posted.
His comments come in the wake of the GST Council’s recent overhaul of the tax structure, which streamlined the four-tier system into two slabs—5% and 18%. Under the new regime, televisions and air-conditioners, earlier taxed at 28%, now fall under the 18% slab.
Grover’s remarks struck a chord with many social media users, who echoed his frustration with outdated technology in even premium hotels. Ishwar Singh, a consulting sales leader, wrote, “This is the problem with all old hotel chains. Add Leela, ITC, Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, etc. to the list. You’ll only see the latest tech in new properties. Upgrades to existing ones are painfully slow. At least get a good one in suites.”
Another user highlighted operational inefficiencies, remarking on the “unique medley of remotes mounted at the most bizarre places” and the lack of subscribed TV channels, even in five-star hotels.
Beyond electronics, the government’s GST reforms have aimed at easing business operations for sectors like hospitality. Simplified registration, faster refunds, and lower compliance costs are expected to support hotels and MSMEs in modernising their services.
