Starting this Summer: Free Internet Access for Gold and Platinum Elite Members

[Marriott Concierge]

Good Evening, FlyerTalk community.

I wanted to share an announcement we have just made on Marriott Rewards Insiders regarding a new benefit for Gold and Platinum Elite Members:

I am pleased to announce a new benefit for Gold and Platinum Elite members, starting May 7, 2010: free internet access.

This exclusive new benefit will be available at Marriott® Hotels & Resorts, JW Marriott®, and Renaissance® Hotels in the U.S. and Canada*.

Full details of the new benefit will be available online Monday morning – I will be sure to upload the landing page here as soon as the link has become available.

We hope you have the opportunity to take advantage of this new benefit beginning May 7.

Please note: We will continue to offer free internet access to all Marriott Rewards members at all Courtyard®, Fairfield Inn & Suites®, SpringHill Suites®, Residence Inn®, and TownePlace Suites® hotels in the U.S. and Canada too.

*Available in the 48 contiguous U.S. states, District of Columbia, Alaska and Canada.

I will also be sure to post the appropriate landing page link on this thread once it becomes abailable.

Regards,

Andrew

[sculpinsam]

I was about to yell "Yeehah!" but no free allowance outside the US or Canada? Aren't these the hotels that usually cost higher premiums?

[VA1379]

Exactly, it is the overseas properties that cost an arm and a leg for internet. Also, is Hawaii excluded from the free internet?

[fireworksboy]

Originally Posted by sculpinsam

I was about to yell "Yeehah!" but no free allowance outside the US or Canada? Aren't these the hotels that usually cost higher premiums?

Bingo! It's a shame Marriott is only going half way with this. SPG went worldwide with their free internet - across all brands. I know, it's only for their Plats but you can earn Plat with as little as 25 stays - sometimes less if they run the DBL Nights/Stay promo which they usually do at least once a year.

Thanks Marriott for the free internet in the US.

Boo Marriott for once again nickel and diming us to death.

[davidash]

Well THANK YOU and it's about time!!!!!!

Now we need to work on FREE parking for Golds and Plats!!

Thanks

[Minneapolis]

Thank you Andrew and Marriott!

[FLgrr]

SWEET!!!!!!!

[Jiatong]

Originally Posted by sculpinsam

I was about to yell "Yeehah!" but no free allowance outside the US or Canada? Aren't these the hotels that usually cost higher premiums?

I agree,this is great for domestic... The rates are higher outside the US, but my experience is the club lounges have the free internet, & BTW the club password in Asia is 'Marriott1' most of the time !.

Again, thanks for this great midyear benefit.

[KMA26]

Thanks for sharing this excellent (domestic) news Andrew!

[padirescu]

Yes Andrew, thank you and Marriott very much for this welcome benefit. While some may jump all over the perceived negative aspects of this benefit, I for one appreciate the fact that Marriott is listening to our input on how to improve an already world class program (IMO). I look forward to additional improvements in the future for your loyal customer base.

[simong]

No offence Andrew but that thread title is misleading and has proved very dispointing to this overseas Gold.. Will be great when I am in the US but its bittersweet....

[iztok]

Great news!

I really appreciate it! However I must put additional vote on the pile for:

1. Free breakfast for Plats (at Courtyards and at Resort locations)
2. Free or 50% off parking for Plats.

[fredlisancnc]

Really great!

Thanks for breaking the news here

[TrojanHorse]

its definitely an enhancement although the Hawaii exclusion and the foreign exclusions are a bummer

[cfischer]

Finally! International would have been nice, but I am not going to complain