Marriott is breaking the old internet template used by many hotel chains. Lower priced hotels, including lower end Marriott properties (eg. Fairfield Inn, Courtyard) have offered free wi-fi for some time. Upper end Marriott properties have been charging for the use of wi-fi, except for top-tiered Rewards members.
Effective January 15, 2015, all Rewards members at all hotels will receive free basic wi-fi. Non-Rewards members will still have to pay at upper end hotels, but it's free to become a Rewards member so it's something everyone staying at Marriott should consider.
Premium wi-fi (faster up and downloads) will be available at a fee, except it will now be offered free to Gold and Platinum members starting January.
More on this story from Skift at this link.
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