Guests of all Hyatt hotels around the world will have access to free in-room wifi beginning next year -- no strings attached.
In offering free connectivity to all its guests, the Hyatt company has effectively pulled a major one-upmanship on rivals Marriott and Starwood, which will only offer free internet access to members of their loyalty programs.
As of February, 2015, all hotel guests staying at any one of the Hyatt’s 573 properties around the world will be able to connect online, with no limit to the number of mobile devices or laptops.
Loyalty members of the Marriott Rewards program will be given free wifi access beginning next month, while Starwood Preferred Guest members will be able to connect for free in February.
To take advantage of the offer, guests of both chains must also book directly through their online sites or mobile apps.
In the last few years, free internet access has consistently topped consumer wishlists and surveys.
Most recently, a Hotels.com survey released in April that polled 1,000 travelers from around the world found that free wifi was the most sought-after in-room amenity.
Meanwhile, gold and platinum-tiered Hyatt loyalty members will be rewarded with premium wifi service where available.
Source: Relaxnews