Starting in August, Hilton Worldwide will extend free WiFi
to all members of its loyalty program who book direct and through traditional travel agents who use a Hilton-owned distribution channel or a GDS.
Free WiFi is already available to HHonors Diamond and Gold
members who book direct or through agents, and Hilton will make
Blue and Silver members eligible in August.
The offer doesn’t apply to properties with a resort charge,
where WiFi is included. Loyalty members who book through online travel agencies
or any other method that doesn’t involve a booking through a Hilton-owned channel or a GDS
aren’t eligible for the offer.
Additionally, Hilton will offer free premium WiFi to Diamond
members who book direct or through direct-booking agents, starting in April.
Last month, Hyatt
Hotels Corp. became the only hotel company among the four largest in the U.S. (including Marriott International, Starwood Hotels & Resorts and Hilton Worldwide) to
offer unconditional free WiFi to all guests.
Starwood last month began offering free WiFi for loyalty
members who book directly through Starwood’s digital channels and guests who
book through travel agents who participate in the SPG Pro program.
In January, Marriott started providing free WiFi at its
full-service hotels for Marriott Rewards loyalty members who book through
Marriott channels.
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CORRECTION: A previous version of this report indicated that travel agents must book through a Hilton-owned channel for customers to receive free WiFi. In fact, GDS bookings are eligible.