Further demonstrating the value placed on connectivity these days, Starwood Hotels & Resorts announced on Wednesday that all Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG) members who book through Starwood's digital channels will be offered free standard Wi-Fi during their stay at participating hotels worldwide, beginning Feb. 2, 2015.
SPG Gold elite members who land a room through Starwood's digital channels will receive free premium Wi-Fi.
Also, travel professionals who are SPG Pro members who book on SPG.com will receive free Wi-Fi access for their SPG member clients, with no impact to their full 10 percent commission and no fees deducted. This is an extra benefit for those who have joined Starwood's new loyalty program for travel professionals.
"With the seismic shift towards digital, particularly when guests are on the road and literally mobile, our SPG members believe high quality Internet access is a basic necessity right up there with a great bed," said Chris Holdren, senior vice president, SPG and Digital at Starwood, via a press release. "Offering free in-room Internet access just relieves one more pain point in the travel experience and recognizes our loyalty to SPG members who travel with us."
"This move underscores Starwood's commitment to supporting the travel professional community, including the growing number of home-based professionals, and to providing these important partners with the same opportunities as their clients," added Chris Austin, vice president, Global Leisure & Luxury Sales.
Starwood's digital channels include SPG.com, the company's corporate and brand websites, Starwood mobile sites and the SPG app.
Starwood's digital channels have grown in popularity among guests and SPG members. In total, bookings through all of Starwood's digital channels have grown by 10 percent, according to Starwood. Bookings through the SPG app have jumped by nearly 60 percent.
"This year we've been laser-focused on empowering our guests with tools to control their stay and personalize their experiences," Holdren said. "SPG Members can now share their core preferences through SPG Preferences or bypass the front desk and open their door with their smart phone with SPG Keyless. Free Internet access is another milestone as we put ever greater control in the hands of our loyal guests, with more to come."
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