It has become apparent that Wi-Fi has become a necessary amenity in a hotel these days. According to HotelChatter's Hotel Wi-Fi Report for 2013, 64% of hotels offer free Wi-Fi.
Most hotel guests no longer simply look for lodging that can offer them a decent bed, air conditioning and a private bathroom; the majority of travelers prefer accommodations that come with fast, free in-room Wi-Fi.
Many hotel managers initially rejected the idea of setting up a Wi-Fi system, since it entailed further complications such as installation costs, securing the network and negotiating contracts with hotel owners. In recent years however, a reliable internet connection has become one of the most important conveniences that people look for.
Hotels have since realized that offering free in-room Wi-Fi indeed attracts more guests, and around two thirds of hotels have adjusted to the trend. In fact, a number of owners have even endeavored to furnish some of their older buildings with Wi-Fi networks.
Despite this progress, there remain a number of establishments that still charge for internet access, on top of the cost of lodging – this even includes posh hotels with overpriced rates. There are those that do offer free Wi-Fi with certain conditions and limitations. For instance, some permit free access only in certain areas of the building, or at specific hours of the day; others may require guests to sign up for their loyalty program.
The HotelChatter's report provides a list of hotels that offer free Wi-Fi as well as those where the guests are charged for the use of wireless internet.
Hotels That Offer Free Wi-Fi
So who's still in the hotel race? Below is a list of establishments by brand; each of them provide their guests with free in-room Wi-Fi. While some may require guests to avail of their loyalty program, a number of them offer unlimited access.
Accor Hotels
- Ibis Hotel
- Mercure Hotel
- Pullman Hotels
Best Western Hotels
- Best Western
- Best Western Plus
- Best Western Premier
Choice Hotels
- Ascend Collection
- Cambria Suites
- Clarion Hotels
- Comfort Suites
- Comfort Inns
- Econolodge
- Quality Inns
- Sleep Inn Hotels
Carlson Rezidor Group
- Country Inn and Suites
- Hotel Missoni
- Park Plaza Hotels
- Radisson Blu Hotels
Boutique & Lifestyle Collection
- Ace Hotels
- ALT Hotels
- AKA Hotels
- Andre Balazs Hotels
- B Hotels and Resorts
- Citizen M Hotels
- COMO Hotels
- Desires Hotels
- The Doyle Collection
- Gansevoort Hotel Group
- Greystone Hotels
- Gem Hotels, Ascend Collection
- James Hotels
- Joie De Vivre Hotels
- Kimpton
- Palace Resorts
- Soho House
- Standard Hotels
- Swire Hotels
Hilton Hotels
- Hampton Inn Hotels
- Hilton Garden Inn
- Home2 Suites by Hilton Hotels
- Homewood Suites
Hyatt Hotels
- Hyatt Andaz Hotels
- Hyatt Place
- Hyatt House
- Summerfield Suites
InterContinental Hotels
- Candlewood Suites
- Holiday Inn Hotels, including Holiday Inn Resorts, Express and Club Vacations
- Hotel Indigo
- Staybridge Suites
Marriott Hotels and Resorts
- Edition Hotels
- Fairfield Inn Hotels
- Gaylord Hotels
- Residence Inn Hotels
- SpringHill Suites
- Towneplace Hotels
- Courtyard Hotels by Marriot
Starwood Hotels and Resorts
- Aloft Hotels
- Four Points by Sheraton
- Element Hotels
Wyndham Hotel Group
- Baymont Inn and Suites
- Days Inn
- Hawthorn Suites
- Howard Johnson
- Microtel Inns and Suites by Wyndham Hotels
- Night Hotels
- Ramada Hotels
- Super 8 Hotels
- Travelodge Hotels and Motels
- Wyndham Garden Hotels
- Wingate
Luxury Hotels
- Aman Resorts
- Anatara Hotels
- Four Seasons Hotels
- Montage Hotels
- Langham Hotels
- Peninsula Hotels
- Regent Hotels
- Shangri-La Hotels
- Trump Hotels outside of New York
Hotels That Charge for Wi-Fi
For the following establishments, in-room Wi-Fi requires an additional fee. For those that offer "free" Wi-Fi, it means having to limit yourself to the lobby or availing of certain membership programs.
Accor Hotels
- Mgallery Hotels
- Novotel Hotels, with the exception of a few in Europe
- Sofitel Hotels, except those in Europe, Africa and the Middle East
Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group
- Some Radisson Hotels
Boutique & Lifestyle Collection
- Affinia Hotels
- Morgans Hotels
- Swissotels
- Viceroy Hotels and Resorts
- Tune Hotels
- Thompson Hotels
Hilton Hotels Group
- Conrad Hotels
- Waldorf-Astoria
- Embassy Suite
- DoubleTree Hotels
Hyatt Hotels
- Park Hyatt Hotels
- Some Hyatt Regency and Grand Hyatt Hotels
InterContinental Hotels Group
- Crowne Plaza Hotels
- Some InterContinental Hotels
Marriot Hotels and Resorts
- Marriott Hotels
- Renaissance Hotels
- Ritz-Carlton Hotels, with the exception of most of the newer establishments
- JW Marriott Hotels, with the exception of the newer ones
Starwood Hotels
- Luxury Collection Hotels
- Sheraton Hotels
- St. Regis Hotels
- W Hotels
- Westin Hotels
- A number of Le Meridien Hotels
Wyndham Hotel Group
- Dream Hotels
- Wyndham Hotels and Resorts
- Wyndham Grand Collection
- TRYP by Wyndham Hotels, with the exception of the newer establishments
Luxury Hotels
- Dorchester Collection
- Jumeirah Hotels
- Kempinski Hotels
- Mandarin Oriental
- Taj Hotels
- Trump Hotels in New York
- Some Orient-Express Hotels
- Some Rocco Forte Hotels
