Finally, more free wifi on the way

Per Marriott's notice . . .

Starting January 15, Marriott Rewards will offer free in-room Wi-Fi to all Marriott Rewards members who book directly on Marriott.com, Marriott’s mobile app, 1-800 MARRIOTT, or through a Marriott hotel. As a member, you’ll be able to connect at over 3,800 hotels across 70 countries worldwide. See Terms including non-participating hotels .
Gold and Platinum Elite members will continue to enjoy an additional benefit – free enhanced Wi-Fi where available. This enhanced service is perfect for downloading large files faster or streaming movies.

Source:
http://www.marriott.com/marriott/high-speed.mi

It's so interesting that some of the big chains are still charging anyone at ALL for what should be considered a standard, price-of-doing-business amenity these days.

Wow, I can get free wifi at a Super 8 but not at a Marriott -who knew? Since I'm not a hotel rewards program member I guess I'll just have to keep going to places where I do get free wifi. I've never paid for it yet, not about to start now.

I agree with you Keith. Wouldn't it be nice if hotels that include everything (wifi, breakfast, use of amenities, etc) would give discounts to those of us who don't want or use those things. Now that's a hotel I would go for.

It's just so funny that we can stay in small motels in the middle-of-nowhere U.S. and get free wifi (that's how we check our email: neither of us have Smart Phones) breakfast, parking and whatnot but have to pay for it all at bigger chain hotels we're booked at on business.

Kieth and Nancy,

How is the discount different from charging extra for these items? We have all complained about the airlines charging separate fees for what used to be bundled into the airfare. Is this what you want the motels/hotels to do?

I, too, have been surprised to find that high end hotels charge for WiFi when little, inexpensive hotels, hostals, hostels, and B&Bs provide it free. I can only guess that they do that because they feel that if their clientele can afford their high room prices they won't mind chucking in a bit more for WiFi. I would have thought that if you paid that much you would get the amenities as part of the deal.