Which Hotel Chains Offer Free Wi-Fi? Here’s What You Need to Know

Signing up for credit cards through partner links earns us a commission. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Here’s our full Advertising Policy.

With our lives revolving around stable Wi-Fi, being able to connect while on the road is extremely important. Luckily, in the past few years most hotels have caught up with the times and offer free Wi-Fi.

When hotels first started offering free Wi-Fi, it was limited to mid- and top-tier elite frequent flyers. Now pretty much anyone, regardless of elite status, can have it at most major hotel chains — if they are enrolled in the hotel’s loyalty program.

Here’s how (and where) you can score free Wi-Fi during your next stay at a major hotel chain:

There are a few hotel chains that can’t seem to shake the practice of charging for Wi-Fi, but most have recognized that it is not only of use to guests but also the hotel. Now, as long as you are a member of a hotels loyalty program, you will almost always be guaranteed free Wi-Fi.

There is one drawback to free Wi-Fi being made available to any member of a hotel’s loyalty program: With more guests connected, internet speeds will be slower. If you have elite status, you may be able to connect to premium or enhanced Wi-Fi for free. This benefit is usually reserved for higher-tier elites.

For example, at Marriott, you need to hit Bonvoy Gold elite status before you receive free enhanced Wi-Fi. At Hilton, you need to have Diamond elite status. Luckily, holding the right credit card makes earning elite status easier than you might think.

Both The Platinum Card® from American Express and the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card offer complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold status. And the Hilton Honors Aspire Card from American Express comes with automatic Hilton Diamond status. You can find our full reviews of each of these cards here.

On the outside chance that you find yourself without free Wi-Fi, there are ways to ensure you won’t have to pay. Hotel chains like Hilton and Marriott offer package rates that allow guests to book rooms with Wi-Fi provided free of charge. This is especially typical at resorts and vacation properties. If you are frugal (or stingy), almost every hotel offers free Wi-Fi in the lobby.

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

APPLY NOW

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

• Earn 80,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s $1,000 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.

• 2X points on travel and dining at restaurants worldwide, eligible delivery services, takeout and dining out & 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases.

• Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Ultimate Rewards. For example, 80,000 points are worth $1,000 toward travel.

• Get unlimited deliveries with a $0 delivery fee and reduced service fees on orders over $12 for a minimum of one year on qualifying food purchases with DashPass, DoorDash’s subscription service. Activate by 12/31/21.

• Earn 5X points on Lyft rides through March 2022. That’s 3X points in addition to the 2X points you already earn on travel.

Intro APR on purchases

N/A

Regular APR

15.99%-22.99% Variable

Annual Fee

$95

Balance Transfer Fee

Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.

Rates & Fees

Annual Fee $95

Other

Credit Needed Excellent / Good

Issuer Chase

Card Type Visa

MORE INFO