Starwood to Offer SPG Members Free Internet

While many international hotel companies - such as Carlson, Wyndham, Best Western, Shangri-La and others - have offered all their guests complimentary internet for many years now, others have been less willing to make it a group, or even brand-wide policy.

Some hotel companies now use it as a way to boost their loyalty programmes, others are even trialing different internet packages depending on guest usage in an attempt to keep it as an ancillary revenue stream.

“With the seismic shift towards digital, particularly when guests are on the road and literally mobile, our SPG members believe high quality internet access is a basic necessity right up there with a great bed,” said Chris Holdren, Senior Vice President, SPG and Digital at Starwood. “Offering free in-room internet access just relieves one more pain point in the travel experience and recognizes our loyalty to SPG members who travel with us.”

Beginning 2 February 2015, all Starwood Preferred Guest members who book through Starwood’s digital channels will be offered free standard in-room internet access during their stay at all participating hotels worldwide. It is free of charge to join SPG. 

“SPG Members can now share their core preferences through SPG Preferences or bypass the front desk and open their door with their smart phone with SPG Keyless. Free internet access is another milestone as we put ever greater control in the hands of our loyal guests, with more to come,” Holdren added.