Details on Marriott News section of its website:

http://news.marriott.com/2014/10/fre...worldwide.html

"Marriott announced today plans to provide free Wi-Fi to all 47 million members of Marriott Rewards who book directly on Marriott.com, Marriott’s mobile app, 1-800-MARRIOTT, or through a Marriott hotel. Beginning January 15, 2015, this benefit will make free standard Wi-Fi available across more than 3,800 hotels in the company’s extensive lodging portfolio worldwide.

This new Marriott Rewards benefit will be available at Marriott Hotels, JW Marriott, Renaissance, Gaylord Hotels, Autograph Collection, AC Hotels by Marriott, and Marriott Executive Apartments, as well as Marriott Rewards’ exclusive luxury partner, The Ritz-CarltonŽ. These brands join EDITION, Moxy, Courtyard, Fairfield Inn & Suites, SpringHill Suites, Residence Inn, TownePlace Suites, and Marriott Vacation Club, which already provide free Wi-Fi today.

Marriott Rewards Platinum and Gold Elite members will continue to enjoy an exclusive benefit – free enhanced Wi-Fi, where available.

Note: This new benefit is not available at select hotels that do not participate in the Marriott Rewards program. Other exclusions may apply. For complete details, visit MarriottRewards.com/FreeInternet. (Sharon's note: the link hasn't been updated since Asia offered free wifi a year or so ago).

So if someone books through 3rd party site, they'll still need to be Gold or Plat to receive free wifi. But for others who aren't elite but do book through official Marriott channels this is a good thing.

Cheers.