Complimentary Internet is latest benefit for members who book through Starwood channels online or via the SPG app. Booking via SPG.com allows travel pros to extend access to SPG clients.
STAMFORD, CONN. – Staying reliably connected to the world while on the road – whether for business or pleasure – is vital to today’s modern traveler. In recognition of that, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is announcing that all Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG) members who book through Starwood’s digital channels will be offered free standard in-room Internet access during their stay at all participating hotels worldwide.
“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. “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.”
Beginning February 2, 2015, free Internet access will be available to SPG members who book their hotel stays through Starwood’s many digital channels including the company’s corporate and brand websites and mobile sites as well as the SPG app.
Starwood’s digital channels have seen increased popularity among guests and SPG members. The SPG app has seen the fastest growth in bookings across SPG’s digital platforms experiencing nearly 60% growth in the last year. In total, all of Starwood’s digital channels have seen more than 10% growth, and now, Starwood is rewarding guests who book through its platforms with the services they want.
“This year we’ve been laser-focused on empowering our guests with tools to control their stay and personalize their experiences,” said Holdren. “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.”
Access Extended: Travel Pros Can Offer Free Internet with SPG.com Bookings
In addition to members, SPG is dedicated to championing travel professionals who play an integral role in helping travelers book their stays. Following the launch of SPG Pro, a new comprehensive loyalty program designed to reward travel professionals, SPG is offering all travel professionals the opportunity to extend free Internet access to their client base of SPG members when travel is booked on spg.com. This advantage is in addition to all other SPG Pro benefits they’re already receiving if they are enrolled in the program.
Chris Austin, Vice President, Global Leisure & Luxury Sales added: “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.”
Vicky is the co-founder of TravelDailyNews Media Network where she is the Editor-in Chief. She is also responsible for the daily operation and the financial policy. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales.
She has many years of both academic and industrial experience within the travel industry. She has written/edited numerous articles in various tourism magazines.
