Hilton Worldwide on Monday announced that it next month will begin waiving Internet access charges across all its brands for members in the upper levels of its loyalty program, bringing its program in line with many of its chief competitors.
Beginning Sept. 1, travelers in the gold and diamond tiers of Hilton's HHonors program will receive complimentary Internet access at any of Hilton's more than 3,600 hotels around the world. "Specifically, business travelers rank quality, high-speed Internet access as one of the most important guest room attributes," according to Hilton senior vice president of global customer marketing Jeff Diskin. "By giving complimentary Internet access to our Hilton HHonors Gold and Diamond members globally, we will meet our guests' evolving demands."
As with most hotel companies, Hilton generally charges guests for Internet access in its upscale and luxury properties, including the Hilton, Conrad and Waldorf Astoria brands. Midprice and extended stay hotels already make the service available without charge for all guests.
With Hilton's announcement, most major hotel brands now offer complimentary Internet access across tiers for preferred guests. Marriott International earlier this year began offering complimentary service for gold and platinum Elite members at hotels in North and South America, and Starwood Hotels & Resorts and Hyatt Hotels also offer complimentary service across their portfolios for upper tier rewards program members.
Other brands, including Omni Hotels and Wyndham, offer free Internet for all loyalty program members regardless of their stay history.