Marriott cutting back on Internet speed for elites?
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: ATL
Programs: DL SkyMiles, MR, HH, ICH/PC, Avis Pref., Hertz Gold
Posts: 2,897
Marriott cutting back on Internet speed for elites?
Marriott has been very generous with their Internet policy for Golds and Platinums, allowing the "high speed" tier for complimentary access. This is a big benefit over what some of the other chains (<cough>Hilton<cough>) were offering (sometimes enough to sway my business).
Now that Marriott is extending its free Internet to all elites, are they going to cut back on the high-speed option?
Here's what happened to me at the Pleasanton (CA) Marriott: As a Platinum, I was given a sticker affixed to my key packet for Internet access. When I connected, the speed was very slow (.9 mbs at 4 AM). When I mentioned this to the front desk, they were apologetic, but there was nothing they could do. Is this a single property-specific thing or a harbinger of things to come? It will be pretty crappy if they do.
Now that Marriott is extending its free Internet to all elites, are they going to cut back on the high-speed option?
Here's what happened to me at the Pleasanton (CA) Marriott: As a Platinum, I was given a sticker affixed to my key packet for Internet access. When I connected, the speed was very slow (.9 mbs at 4 AM). When I mentioned this to the front desk, they were apologetic, but there was nothing they could do. Is this a single property-specific thing or a harbinger of things to come? It will be pretty crappy if they do.
#2
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan USA
Programs: Marriott lifetime Titanium, Delta Platinum
Posts: 5,472
Marriott has been very generous with their Internet policy for Golds and Platinums, allowing the "high speed" tier for complimentary access. This is a big benefit over what some of the other chains (<cough>Hilton<cough>) were offering (sometimes enough to sway my business).
Now that Marriott is extending its free Internet to all elites, are they going to cut back on the high-speed option?
Here's what happened to me at the Pleasanton (CA) Marriott: As a Platinum, I was given a sticker affixed to my key packet for Internet access. When I connected, the speed was very slow (.9 mbs at 4 AM). When I mentioned this to the front desk, they were apologetic, but there was nothing they could do. Is this a single property-specific thing or a harbinger of things to come? It will be pretty crappy if they do.
Now that Marriott is extending its free Internet to all elites, are they going to cut back on the high-speed option?
Here's what happened to me at the Pleasanton (CA) Marriott: As a Platinum, I was given a sticker affixed to my key packet for Internet access. When I connected, the speed was very slow (.9 mbs at 4 AM). When I mentioned this to the front desk, they were apologetic, but there was nothing they could do. Is this a single property-specific thing or a harbinger of things to come? It will be pretty crappy if they do.
#3
Join Date: May 2002
Programs: AAdvantage Platinum, United Silver, Marriott Titanium Elite
Posts: 2,276
There doesn't seem to be any reason for Marriott properties to cut back the quality of their premium "High Speed" Internet service option. In fact, it's important to provide a noticeable improvement so that guests who are not Gold or Platinum members will continue to purchase the premium service despite the free basic service.
I wish Marriott would define what speeds guests should be able to expect from the two levels and to enforce brand standards for those speeds.
The time when anything faster than dial-up was "high speed" has passed long ago.
I was recently getting an incredible 100 Mbps (and no login page) at a Marriott property. After a few days, it dropped to a still decent 5 Mbps (and there was then a login page). Apparently something was set up wrong at first, bypassing authentication and not throttling bandwidth to users at all.
I wish Marriott would define what speeds guests should be able to expect from the two levels and to enforce brand standards for those speeds.
The time when anything faster than dial-up was "high speed" has passed long ago.
I was recently getting an incredible 100 Mbps (and no login page) at a Marriott property. After a few days, it dropped to a still decent 5 Mbps (and there was then a login page). Apparently something was set up wrong at first, bypassing authentication and not throttling bandwidth to users at all.
#4
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Treasure Coast, FL
Programs: DL Diamond, Marriott LT Plat, HH Diamond, Avis Preferred Plus, National Executive
Posts: 4,578
I have stayed at that property several times and the internet is always slow.
I was in New Orleans this week and the internet was blazing fast.
Doubt it is anything more than a one off experience.
I was in New Orleans this week and the internet was blazing fast.
Doubt it is anything more than a one off experience.
#5
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Port St Lucie, FL, UA1K since 1994 and 3mm, Delta 1mm
Programs: Marriott Titanium Life, Hilton Gold
Posts: 566
Was at three Marriotts in last 3 weeks --
Doha Marriott -- had free internet plus an option for enhanced high speed internet that had a cost to it. Speed was atrocious - 100K down 1 meg up. No content firewall. Both wireless and Ethernet cable in room. (no difference in speeds).
Dubai JW Marriott -- had same policy speed was better -- 2meg down and 1 meg up with content firewall. Both wireless and Ethernet cable in room.
Renaissance Vienna - 13 meg up and down -- wireless only.
Doha Marriott -- had free internet plus an option for enhanced high speed internet that had a cost to it. Speed was atrocious - 100K down 1 meg up. No content firewall. Both wireless and Ethernet cable in room. (no difference in speeds).
Dubai JW Marriott -- had same policy speed was better -- 2meg down and 1 meg up with content firewall. Both wireless and Ethernet cable in room.
Renaissance Vienna - 13 meg up and down -- wireless only.
#6
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: SF Bay Area
Programs: None - previously UA
Posts: 4,863
I always sign up for the fastest version and I've never had an issue having it removed in the event that it posts to my account.
#7
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Chicago (ORD)
Programs: Marriott Bonvoy Lifetime Titanium, UA Gold, AA Gold
Posts: 566
Stayed very recently at both Camelback and Starr Pass and was surprised to find that there was only one level of internet speed to choose from, so no special benefit to Golds/Plats, particularly since everyone must pay their resort fees, which includes the 'benefit' of free internet.
#8
Suspended
Join Date: Jun 2005
Programs: Delta Diamond, Marriott Ambassador & Lifetime Titanium, Hertz President's Circle, United Silver
Posts: 6,334
Some of the Marriotts in Michigan--Livonia, as an example--don't have an enhanced wireless option.
I, for one, want to know what Marriott is going to do for platinums. They are giving free internet to just about everyone now. What are they going to give us to replace this devaluation? And, you know darn well that internet speeds will be slower at big, popular hotels if every Tom, Dick and Harry is on it.
I, for one, want to know what Marriott is going to do for platinums. They are giving free internet to just about everyone now. What are they going to give us to replace this devaluation? And, you know darn well that internet speeds will be slower at big, popular hotels if every Tom, Dick and Harry is on it.
#9
Moderator: Alaska Mileage Plan
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 12,314
The namesakes for the three tunnels in The Great Escape all don't travel with laptops and/or tablets. Elites streaming/downloading movies, porn and torrents may be a bigger issue.
#10
Join Date: Oct 2001
Programs: LTP, PP
Posts: 8,698
Simply stated, its gonna suck for us all during prime hours. How can it get any better with more users?
#11
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: USA
Programs: MVPG
Posts: 112
Renaissance Dallas Richardson, TX
Renaissance Dallas Richardson, TX
Super Fast internet $16.95/day (vs $12.95 for Fast)
Download 6mbps
Upload 0.61mpbs
...?
Super Fast internet $16.95/day (vs $12.95 for Fast)
Download 6mbps
Upload 0.61mpbs
...?
#12
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,074
JW Marriott Miami and FLL Marriott North had some horrid speeds this past week.
#13
Join Date: Jan 2015
Programs: Marriott Titanium and LTP, Hilton Gold, United Silver
Posts: 786
Thus, please define it
#14
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: South Florida
Programs: AA LTG (EXP), Hilton Silver (Dia), Marriott LTP (PP), SPG LTG (P) > MPG LTPP
Posts: 11,329
Can somebody please define what, "enhanced Internet access," is, please? This is an item that is free for Gold and Platinum Elite members and charged for other members. So, what makes it different from regular Internet access? If you cannot define it, you cannot deliver it. If you cannot deliver it, it cannot be charged for or put on a contract line item. If it is on a contract as a deliverable, but cannot be, then the contract is in breach.
Thus, please define it
Thus, please define it
When it comes to internet service, they will have a tough time meeting any defined specs as usage will make a big difference. If you've got 20 people on the higher tier, all streaming video or the such, your performance might not be any better than what you would get on the basic service if everyone is merely reading emails or minor web surfing. You're not going to be able to prove misrepresentation on their part as the "T&Cs" will not guarantee anything.
I've seen where some properties have implemented three tiers and I'm sure they will claim the highest tier is not an elite benefit. That I hope MR slaps down quickly.
#15
Join Date: Jan 2015
Programs: Marriott Titanium and LTP, Hilton Gold, United Silver
Posts: 786
Short of using throttling controls, it's mostly a play on words to allow the property to charge a higher fee. Just like the difference between a standard/deluxe/club room. I rarely see a difference in the room, yet they can have vastly different rates.
When it comes to internet service, they will have a tough time meeting any defined specs as usage will make a big difference. If you've got 20 people on the higher tier, all streaming video or the such, your performance might not be any better than what you would get on the basic service if everyone is merely reading emails or minor web surfing. You're not going to be able to prove misrepresentation on their part as the "T&Cs" will not guarantee anything.
I've seen where some properties have implemented three tiers and I'm sure they will claim the highest tier is not an elite benefit. That I hope MR slaps down quickly.
When it comes to internet service, they will have a tough time meeting any defined specs as usage will make a big difference. If you've got 20 people on the higher tier, all streaming video or the such, your performance might not be any better than what you would get on the basic service if everyone is merely reading emails or minor web surfing. You're not going to be able to prove misrepresentation on their part as the "T&Cs" will not guarantee anything.
I've seen where some properties have implemented three tiers and I'm sure they will claim the highest tier is not an elite benefit. That I hope MR slaps down quickly.