Cloud gaming has matured into a powerful and convenient way to enjoy blockbuster games wherever you are – even from a hotel room on the other side of the world.
What Is Cloud Gaming?
Cloud gaming allows you to play high-end video games without needing powerful hardware. Instead of running the game on your device, it streams from a remote server, meaning the actual game is processed elsewhere and delivered to your screen over the internet in real time. That means no bulky consoles, no long downloads, and no performance issues – just pure gaming, even on a basic laptop, smartphone, or tablet.
Why Cloud Gaming Is Perfect for Travel
If you’re a traveler who loves to game, cloud gaming solves several problems at once:
- Portability: Your phone, tablet, or hotel-room smart TV becomes your gaming rig.
- Convenience: No need to pack a gaming laptop or console – everything runs from the cloud.
- Flexibility: Pause your game in one city and resume in another.
- Internet-Friendly: Many hotels offer solid Wi-Fi, which is all you need for smooth gameplay.
Whether you’re relaxing after a day of sightseeing or stuck in your room during a rainy afternoon, cloud gaming turns any downtime into playtime.
Top 3 Cloud Gaming Platforms
Here are the best platforms to consider bringing with you on the road:
GeForce Now
For those who already own games on Steam, Epic Games Store, or Ubisoft Connect, NVIDIA’s GeForce Now is a standout. It supports ultra-high-quality visuals, including 4K resolution and RTX ray tracing – even on devices that normally couldn’t handle it.
GeForce Now has a free tier (usually with wait times and always with strict session limits) and paid plans starting at $9.99/month. While you can’t game endlessly – even premium tiers have time caps – it’s an ideal option for shorter, high-quality sessions while you’re away from home.
Boosteroid
Boosteroid is the world’s largest independent cloud gaming platform not owned by any tech giant, yet competing with them in both scale and performance. With over 1,200 games, including many not available on other services, it’s a dream for variety lovers. You can access your games from Steam, Epic Games Store, Battle.net, and more – quickly and hassle-free.
Boosteroid supports nearly every platform: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, Smart TVs, and even web browsers. Plans start at just €7.49/month, making it an affordable choice for both casual and frequent gamers. Its AV1 video encoding keeps performance high even on hotel Wi-Fi, and with no session limits, you can play as long as you want – perfect for long evenings in a quiet room.
Xbox Cloud Gaming
If you’re already a subscriber to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, Xbox Cloud Gaming is your ticket to hundreds of top-tier titles from Xbox, EA, and Bethesda. Play from your hotel room using a smartphone, tablet, laptop, or supported Smart TV. Since it syncs with your Xbox account, your saves and progress carry over seamlessly.
While it doesn’t let you stream games you’ve purchased elsewhere, the Game Pass library is robust and regularly updated. For travelers who want instant entertainment with minimal setup, Xbox Cloud Gaming is a strong option.
Honorable Mentions for Travelers:
- Amazon Luna
- PlayStation Plus
Cloud Gaming On the Go: What You Need to Know
Do you need a subscription?
Most platforms require a subscription, though some offer free tiers or trials.
Is hotel Wi-Fi good enough?
Usually, yes – particularly for Full HD (1080p) streaming. For best results, look for hotels that offer fast and stable Wi-Fi or connect via Ethernet if available.
Can you use cloud gaming on mobile networks?
Absolutely. A strong 4G or 5G signal can provide smooth gameplay, though it may eat through your data allowance quickly.
Is there input lag?
There can be minimal delay, especially with slower networks, but for most games – especially story-driven or casual ones – it’s barely noticeable. Competitive games might require a local setup.
What about multiplayer?
Yes, you can absolutely play online multiplayer games – just keep in mind that your connection quality can affect performance.
Final Thoughts: Your Virtual Console, Anywhere
Cloud gaming has reshaped what it means to be a gamer on the move. You no longer need to carry extra luggage just to play your favorite titles. With just your phone or laptop and a solid internet connection, your hotel room can become your personal arcade.
So next time you’re packing for a trip, skip the console and bring a controller instead. With cloud gaming, your entertainment travels with you – from lobby lounge to mountain lodge.
TheHotelTrotter.com is curated by greek journalist and fanatic hotel lover Eleni Stasinopoulou. With the eye of a fashion and lifestyle editor, Eleni hopes to inspire all connoisseurs of traveling, focusing on stylish hotel moments around the globe.
