Who would have thunk Marriott would give away free Wi-Fi? You don’t even need status because all you need to do is to sign up as a Marriott Rewards member.
Starting today, if you happen to a Marriott Rewards or a Ritz-Carlton Rewards member, you’re entitled to free Internet in your room regardless of status. In order to qualify, the membership number must be attached to the hotel reservation. Members also must book directly through the hotel so if you’re booking the property through Expedia, that’s a no go. (There’s a workaround to how get that cheaper rate, though.)
This covers some 3,800 hotels across 70 countries worldwide. It includes all Marriott properties such as JW Marriott, Renaissance Hotels, Autograph Collection Hotels, Marriott Hotels, Marriott Executive Apartments, Gaylord Hotels, and AC Hotels by Marriott and The Ritz-Carlton. EDITION, Marriott Vacation Club, Courtyard, Residence Inn, SpringHill Suites, Fairfield Inn & Suites, TownePlace Suites, and Moxy Hotels already provide free Wi-Fi to their guests.
Gold and Platinum Elite Rewards will continue to get the enhanced—I hope that means 'faster'—Wi-Fi service that I guess normal Marriott guests won’t get. It works out if you also have status on United. Besides, with everyone using it, I don’t know how fast it’ll be.
Regardless, I’m all aboard for hotels jumping on of the Wi-Fi train. Choo choo….