More than one in four (27%) of U.S. hotels offer no Wifi at all, 70% offer free Wifi and 3% charge for it. The fanciest hotels are the most likely to charge for Wifi, perhaps because those guests are the most likely to actually pay up. Twenty percent of five star hotels ask you to open your wallet for Internet connectivity, while just 5% of one-star hotels do.
Wi-Fi has become an amenity that guests expect from the hotels where they choose to stay. We asked our Twitter fans what they think of free Wi-Fi and they spoke loud and clear. Perhaps Susan Breslow said it best: “Hotel wi-fi is essential. Free wins loyalty and cred.” But according to a review of Hipmunk’s hotel database, only 70 percent of U.S. hotels offer free Wi-Fi. Another 27 percent don’t offer Wi-Fi at all (what?!?!). And the last 3 percent offer Wi-Fi for a fee.
So how do you ensure you always have Wi-Fi free of charge? Easy.
Know Where to Go
We tapped our hotels database to identify the U.S. cities with the highest percentage of free Wi-Fi.
Avoid Luxury Hotels
Believe it or not, you really don’t get what you pay for when it comes to luxury hotels. According to our data, more expensive hotels are much more likely to charge for Wi-Fi than moderate and budget hotels (this is also true of other amenities like free breakfast).
Use the Best Search Tools
When you search for hotels on Hipmunk, hotels offering free Wi-Fi are clearly marked with a “free Wi-Fi” icon.
Join Loyalty Programs
Hotel management has discovered that they can withhold free Wi-Fi and other amenities to encourage travelers to join their rewards programs. Here’s a cheat sheet of some popular hotel chains offering free Wi-Fi as part of their loyalty programs and what level you need to attain to get the perk.
Sign Up for a Credit Card That Offers Wi-Fi Perks
The Starwood Preferred Guest card offers complimentary in-room premium internet access while staying in participating SPG hotels and free unlimited Wi-Fi on up to four devices at more than a million Boingo hotspots around the world (after enrollment). Double check the perks for your existing credit cards and if you’re shopping for a new one, and Wi-Fi is a necessity for you, pick a card with Wi-Fi perks.
Make the Best of a Bad Situation
If you find yourself at a hotel that charges for Wi-Fi, take a look at the other available networks in your Wi-Fi settings. If you’re in a business district or touristy area full of hotels, you just might find an open and free Wi-Fi network to connect to.
Tatiana is the news coordinator for TravelDailyNews Media Network (traveldailynews.gr, traveldailynews.com and traveldailynews.asia). Her role includes monitoring the hundreds of news sources of TravelDailyNews Media Network and skimming the most important according to our strategy.
She holds a Bachelor's degree in Communication & Mass Media from Panteion University of Political & Social Studies of Athens and she has been editor and editor-in-chief in various economic magazines and newspapers.
