Hyatt joins the free Wi-Fi revolution

Hyatt has become the latest major hotel group to start offering complimentary Wi-Fi at its entire portfolio of hotels.

From February 2015 onwards, the company will allow guests to access the internet in all Hyatt-branded hotels, on an unlimited number of devices and in all areas of the property, regardless of booking method or loyalty programme participation.

Hyatt said the move formed part of its efforts to “make the guest experience more seamless”.

“Internet connectivity is no longer an amenity. It has become an integral part of travellers’ daily lives and a basic expectation,” said Kristine Rose, vice president of brands for Hyatt. “Travellers shouldn’t have to remember which brands or locations offer it for free or the strings attached to get it.”

Several of Hyatt’s hotels and brands, including the Andaz, Hyatt Place and Hyatt House, already offer free Wi-Fi, while elite members of the Hyatt Gold Passport loyalty programme are also provided the service. The expansion of this offering however, will now incorporate all of the group’s 550+ hotels worldwide, covering nine brands.

“Today, people consider smartphones just as important as their car, and more important than television or coffee. Travellers feel out of sync with their lives when they can’t freely connect. Giving free Wi-Fi without a catch will enable us to continue innovating the guest experience to help people be more productive and stay better connected to colleagues, friends and family,” Rose added.

Hyatt joins other major hotel groups offering global free Wi-Fi, including Best Western, Four Seasons and Shangri-La. Other major groups either offer the service free to loyalty scheme members or at specific brands.

sourced:traveldailymedia.com