It wasn’t so long ago, that if you wanted an internet connection at one of the major full service chain hotels, you pretty much had to put your hand in your pocket and pay up. In common with most other room charges at such hotels, the fees were pretty steep for what you got.
The justification was always around the cost of providing the service. The counter argument, though, was that many budget hotels provided a compimentary internet connection as a matter of course.
The last year or so has seen something of a change in the way the chains approach Internet connectivity. Furthermore, each has taken a different approach to how they will provide connectivity. Of them all, only Hyatt has gone down the track of providing complimentary internet to all guests. Other chains tie the provision of complimentary internet to meeting conditions such as booking through hotel channels, or being members of their loyalty program.
Internet policies
The following outlines the basic policies of the various major chains. Specific hotels may provide options in excess of what is described here.
Hyatt
As mentioned, Hyatt has come across as the most generous with its connectivity options. Late last year, it announced that everyone staying in many of its brands would receive free connectivity. More recently, they have updated their offering to provide their diamond elite members with a premium internet option.
Rydges
During a revamp of their brand last year, free Wi-Fi being pretty much a standard for all guests staying at the Rydges properties across Asutralia (and at their international locations). There are a couple of restrictions specific to certain hotels, such as limited download limits in Darwin.
IHG
IHG provides free internet connections to members of its IHG Rewards program. Fortunately, this is not an onerous requirement, as it is possible to join the program for free.
Carlson
Carlson has a similar policy to IHG. Free Internet access for all members of their Club Carlson program is provided, regardless of booking method or elite status. You must be a member of Club Carlson, but again free membership is provided.
Marriott
Free Internet access is provided for all members, however the bookings need to be made through one of the official Marriott channels. This included bookings made onlie at the Marriott website, or via phone. In additions, Premium Internet access is provided for Gold and Platinum elite members. Again, there is a selecrion or properties that have been excluded from these requirements.
Starwood
Starwood provides free Internet access for all members, however they require that the booking be made online. Unlike Marriott, a reservation made through a phone booking is excluded from this policy. Premium Internet access is available for all elite members.
Hilton
Hilton is the most recent to have jumped onto the bandwagon. Until recenttly, free internet was the provence of the Gold and Diamond elite levels of the program. Recently, they announced that they were extending free internet to all members of the Hilton HHonors program, with Diamond members getting a bump up to a premium plan..
In conclusion
Some day in the furture we may look back at our time, and wonder why we ever payed for Internet at hotels. But for now, we are in the midst of the change from having to pay, to it being included as a complimentary offering. While, there are those that may argue it has been a long time coming, overall, the good news seems to be that we are in the dying days of paid-for Wi-Fi.