What's the best electronic device I can provide so guests can play music from their smartphones.

[Tom248]

I'm not sure what the best device is to provide in my airbnb cottage that would allow guests to play music from their iphones, androids, smartphones, etc.  If I provide a bluetooth speaker, can every guest access that? Or is it better to have some docking station or is that so 2015?  I had an old Bose player with a first generation iPod, but that's given up the ghost, plus they had to listen to my music genres. Thanks for your help here and illucidating what's available to a technically-challenged host. 

[Marzena4]

I guess the easiest to configure would be a system of speakers with a mini jack, @Tom248. Bluetooth systems might sometimes cause problems to less digital-oriented guests.

And beware of theft, of course.

[Marit-Anne0]

@Tom248

As @Marzena4 says, a bluetooth speaker is very easy to steal.  I have one for personal use, but I do not leave it with my guests for that very reason.  You need something bulky that does not tempt anyone to pack it "by mistake".

[Jessica-and-Henry0 · Accepted solution]

@Tom248

I agree that a bluetooth speaker is NOT a good choice. Way~~~ too easy to steal and I doubt guests would keep it well charged. If speakers are a must, I personally think it's better to go old school. Keep the dock speaker or get bulky shelf speakers and get a stereo cable. Maybe a 3.5mm male to male cable? or a 3.5mm to RCA cable? which is plugged into the speaker with a line coming out that guests can plug into the headphone jack of any cell phone or laptop.  You would have to make sure it is set up in a way so that guests can't take the cable with them though. Just a thought 🙂

[Lawrene0]

I think anyone wanting that sort of thing will bring their own, @Tom248. As the others have said, the device you want is so small and packable that it is easily taken - but that makes it easily brought in also. People who need music on to enjoy their vacation are usually well-prepared themselves to make it happen. That is my experience here.

[Kim597]

Unfortunately I just had my bose speaker stolen. I had a sticker on it and unfortunately cleaners did not notice so I do not know which guest. Disappointing. 

[Eric1031]

Bluetooth (BT) is a good option. Even large stereo systems often have BT. Including a 3.5 mm jack and an adapter for Iphones is also a good idea, but you'll want to use cable ties so they don't wander off.

[Ann783]

Timely post. I have a guest who inquired about speakers .... I don’t have any because we each carry our own portable one when we travel.  

[Kevin1322]

We have a smart TV in the guest room with Bluetooth which they can cast to,. or Bluetooth.  It's fixed to the wall 😉  They can stream their spotify from it if they log in.  

We  "won" a Bluetooth speaker  last weekend which a guest forgot to pack. I messaged and offered to send it to his nearest UPS pickup point but he just replied "keep it, someone else can use it, I have more, but thanks". 

I agree a lot of this stuff is so portable (and cheap) these days that its equally as easy to pack it or forget it.