Marriott International next year will begin offering free
high-speed Internet access globally to travelers in the top tiers of its reward
program staying in its upper upscale brands, the hotelier announced on Monday.
Last May, Marriott began offering free high-speed Internet
access to gold and platinum elite members of its Marriott Rewards program at
hotels across North and South America. As of Jan. 7, that offering will expand
to JW Marriott, Marriott, Renaissance and Autograph Collection hotels globally.
The policy change brings Marriott in line with most of its
major competitors. Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Hyatt Hotels and most recently Hilton Worldwide have adopted policies allowing global free Internet
access to elite travelers. Other brands, including Omni Hotels and Wyndham,
offer free Internet to all loyalty program members.
Marriott's gold and platinum tiers require travelers to stay
50 nights and 75 nights per year, respectively.