Loyalty Has Its Perks
Hotel loyalty programs obviously exist to benefit both the hotel and the program member. The hotels receive the guests’ repeat business, and the guest receives extra perks and special deals at the hotel. One of those perks is free Wi-Fi, which is crucial for business travelers, because constant internet connection is one of the requirements of today’s economic reality.
Many hotels have various degrees of loyalty program membership, and free Wi-Fi may not be available to all members. Here are 2 lists of hotels with free Wi-Fi for loyalty program members, via the HotelChatter Annual WiFi Report 2013.
(Related article: 6 Unexpected Places to Get Free Wi-Fi)
Free Wi-Fi for ALL MEMBERS
Carlson Rezidor Hotels: The Club Carlson loyalty program offers complimentary internet to all its members and is free to join.
Kimpton Hotels: Become a member of their Kimpton InTouch loyalty program for simple and easy access to free internet.
JDV Hotels: The majority of Joie de Vivre's properties offer free WiFi in the public areas and guestrooms. But for the few that still charge, all members of JDV's loyalty program, the “Joy of Life Club”, get complimentary internet access regardless of status level.
Omni Hotels: Most Omni properties charge a fee for WiFi access. But if you sign up for the free Omni Select Guest loyalty program, you get complimentary WiFi at all levels.
Fairmont Hotels: There is a fee for internet in guestrooms, but if you are a member of the free-to-join Fairmont President's Club, you can get complimentary internet access during your stay.
Loews Hotels: Most Loews hotels have free Wi-Fi in their lobbies but it becomes free in-room for members of their YouFirst loyalty program. You automatically qualify for this free program, and free Wi-Fi, after staying there just once.
Swissotels: With the revamped Swissotel loyalty program, Swissotel Circle, the program now gives members complimentary internet, although some Swissotels offer it free already.
Wyndham Hotels: Wyndham's ByRequest program is free to join and offers complimentary Wi-Fi to members.
(Related article: Hotels That Offer Free Wi-Fi for All Travelers)
Free Wi-Fi for ELITE MEMBERS
IHG: The IHG Priority Club announced that starting this month (July), their elite members will receive free Wi-Fi at any IHG property in the world. The benefit will be extended to all members in 2014. The Gold Elite level requires 15-49 eligible nights a year while the Platinum Elite level requires over 50 eligible nights a year.
Hilton Hotels: Hilton offers free Wi-Fi for Gold and Diamond members of their HHonors loyalty program. It take 36 nights to achieve Gold level.
Hyatt Hotels: Hyatt offers free Wi-Fi for Platinum and Diamond members of the Hyatt Gold Passport program. The Platinum level requires 15 eligible nights in a calendar year. Diamond requires 25 nights.
Marriott Hotels: For the Marriott brands that don't offer free WiFi in the rooms, the Gold and Platinum levels of the Marriott Rewards program can sign on for free. But it takes 50 nights to achieve Gold status.
Ritz-Carlton: Gold and Platinum members of Ritz-Carlton Rewards program get free internet access.
Starwood Hotels: Starwood Preferred Guests loyalty program offers Platinum members free Wi-Fi at all Starwood Hotels. Platinum level takes 50 nights to reach. Gold members can get free WiFi as 1 of 3 options at check-in. The other two are bonus Starpoints or a free drink at the bar. Gold level takes 10 nights to reach.
(Related article: Quick Guide to International Hotel Wi-Fi Options)
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