Visitors to Macdonald Hotels & Resorts across the UK will be able to use high-speed wireless internet access (Wi-Fi) through BT Openzone. Wi-Fi access will be available in public areas and over 4,500 bedrooms within all Macdonald Hotels’ properties by the end of 2009.

Today’s announcement gives 4.8 million BT broadband customers including those with inclusive BT FON Wi-Fi minutes, plus BT Openzone users to email, surf the internet or make VoIP calls at the hotels. O2 iPhone users have access included within their contracts, and millions of customers from iPass, Boingo and other BT Openzone roaming partners can also use the service.

Macdonald Hotels will also sell BT Openzone vouchers. Users can choose from a wide range of vouchers and subscriptions, whether an overnight or spa guest, golfer or a lunchtime diner.

The Group’s properties include world-famous names such as Oxford’s Macdonald Randolph Hotel & Spa (the scene of many a drama from ITV’s Morse), the Macdonald Bear Hotel at Woodstock, the Macdonald Compleat Angler at Marlow and the Macdonald Aviemore Highland Resort.

Ruaridh Macdonald, Sales & Marketing Director, Macdonald Hotels & Resorts commented: “Many of our clients, particularly corporate clients, are BT Openzone account holders so we are delighted to provide access to a reliable Wi-Fi service that they are used to and where logging on will be familiar and convenient.”

Chris Bruce, general manager, BT Openzone, said: “Many people expect to have access to Wi-Fi at quality venues like Macdonald Hotels & Resorts, whether through laptop, phone or other device. We are delighted to welcome their guests to the network.”

BT customers can get online at more than 650,000 UK & Ireland hotspots including Thistle and Guoman, Hilton, Ramada Jarvis, Forestdale and Menzies hotels, airport lounges, Caffe Nero and Starbucks coffee shops and marinas, plus residential and independent commercial sites and more than 65,000 worldwide sites through international roaming partners.