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Starwood Hotels offers free Wi-Fi for SPG loyalty members
Starwood Hotels & Resorts will begin offering free Wi-Fi to all Starwood Preferred Guest loyalty members from next February – if they book direct on the company’s websites or mobile app.
The move mirrors a similar policy recently by Marriott, which stoked the ire of the travel agent community, as they claim the policy discriminates against customers who use travel agencies.
"Marriot’s plan to offer free Wi-Fi as an inducement to travelers who book direct with a Marriot brand or through Marriott.com will disadvantage loyal travelers who use the travel agency distribution channel," ASTA CEO Zane Kerby said last month.
Starwood, which operates several brands including Sheraton, Westin, W Hotels, St. Regis, and the Luxury Collection, said the program will start on February 2.
"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,” said Chris Holdren, senior vice president of SPG at Starwood.
"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."
Travel agents who are SPG Pro members, the new loyalty program for the travel trade, can book commissionable stays for SPG member clients through SPG.com.
"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," said Chris Austin, vice president, global leisure & luxury sales.
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