Hyatt hotels will serve free Internet to all guests from February 2015, joining the Starwood, IHG and Marriott chains in axing add-on charges for WiFi.
The deal will extend to an 'unlimited number' of devices such as laptops, tablets and smartphones – and cover all Hyatt properties and everywhere within those properties, from public zones such as the lobby through to individual rooms.
“Internet connectivity is no longer an amenity" said Kristine Rose, vice president of brands for Hyatt. "Today, people consider smartphones just as important as their car, and more important than television or coffee."
Diamond and Platinum members of the Hyatt Gold Passport loyalty scheme – who had previously enjoyed free WiFi while everybody else had to pay for it – will now receive a free upgrade to Hyatt's 'premium' WiFi service in hotels wired up for the higher-speed connection.
And while some hotel groups – notably Starwood and Marriott – say their free Internet comes only if you book directly with the chain, rather than through a travel agency or hotel booking mega-sites such as Expedia, Hyatt's deal comes "regardless of booking method."
You don't even need to be a member of Hyatt Passport Gold – just check in, head to your room and log on. That's a convenience business travellers will value.
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David Flynn is the Editor-in-Chief of Executive Traveller and a bit of a travel tragic with a weakness for good coffee, shopping and lychee martinis.
25 Sep 2013
Total posts 1245
Isn't free internet access only available to SPG status members?
24 Oct 2010
Total posts 2555
Yes, as we mentioned in our article, and of course that includes the most basic SPG level which anybody can join.
VA
25 Aug 2014
Total posts 42
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
05 Jan 2015
Total posts 1
Ironically rHyatt emoving the $10 fee for internet also removes a good reason for upgrading to a club room which used to come with free internet. I can't see many people being overly fussed about superspeed broadband (such as it is). It will be interesting to see if they do anything to compensate club customers after the February change.
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