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Startle is the fully managed background music and digital signage provider for hotels and hotel groups.
A hotel has several moods under one roof, from a busy check-in to a quiet spa, and music is one of the quickest ways to set each one. Even tempo alone changes how guests feel: in an experiment with people waiting in a queue, slower-tempo music left people more satisfied and more relaxed than fast-tempo music. That is the case for giving every space its own sound, calm where guests unwind and livelier where they socialise, scheduled around the day.
A library of 100+ regularly updated playlists across every genre and era, from lounge jazz in the lobby to ambient soundscapes in the spa and upbeat energy in the bar.
We learn what your hotel brand stands for, then build playlists for each property and zone.
Give your rooms, bars and brand the promotion they deserve, from check-in to check-out.
Here is how we take a hotel or hotel group from the first conversation to every space sounding right.
Replicate a perfectly curated, branded atmosphere across an entire hotel estate from a single platform with Startle Studio.
The Selwyn Hotel, a boutique hotel in a Richmond upon Thames townhouse, needed the right music at the right time around the clock, and a premium solution where human error could not affect the guest experience.
They now choose from Startle's mood, genre and behaviour-based playlists, with the schedule set in advance for every time of the week so there are no gaps between changeovers. Their hotel now has a polished, elevated sound, while staff are free to focus on guests instead of music, backed by proactive, around-the-clock monitoring from Relentless Support™.
I am thoroughly impressed by Startle's outstanding music curation. Their playlists are consistently spot-on, masterfully capturing the perfect mood for any occasion, whether it’s the hectic energy of a busy morning or the soothing ambience of a laid-back evening. Each track is carefully selected, reflecting a level of thoughtfulness rare in music curation. Startle doesn’t just play music; they elevate the experience, creating the ideal atmosphere effortlessly and allowing everyone to enjoy it without a second thought.
General manager
The system was initially implemented to reduce costs and improve quality. We had issues with volume levels, inappropriate tracks and other areas that were becoming frustrating. Our initial experience over 3 months was so impressive that we got rid of DJs on all nights. We found the system delivered exactly what we needed, without the hassle of employing the DJ, servicing the equipment, and trying to keep them on brand.
General Manager
Book your free brand sound discovery call to see how Startle can transform your music and signage across all locations.
On this call we’ll:
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Frequently asked questions.
Yes. Multi-zone audio lets you run distinct playlists simultaneously across the lobby, restaurant, spa, gym, bar and function rooms, all managed from one platform, with scheduling by time of day so the atmosphere shifts automatically as your guests move through the day.
Yes. Startle's digital signage runs from the same Studio platform as the music, so your team can schedule menus, event listings, promotions and brand content across every screen in every property, from one central dashboard.
Yes, playing music in commercial premises requires a licence (typically PPL PRS for Music in the UK). Find out more about music licenses here.
Yes. Daypart scheduling covers the whole day and night, so the check-in rush, the quiet overnight hours and the morning breakfast service can each have their own sound, and Relentless Support™ is available 24/7/365.
