This Overlooked Marriott Bonvoy Perk Doesn’t Require Booking Direct

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The Marriott Bonvoy program’s Terms and Conditions webpage scrolls on seemingly forever. When your program encompasses dozens of different brands worldwide, there are endless exceptions and carve-outs that need to be put into writing.

But here’s one thing that’s refreshingly straightforward—and surprisingly generous.

You’re entitled to free internet access during your stay for enrolling in the Marriott Bonvoy program and booking directly through one of Marriott’s channels (website, app, phone).

If you have Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status or higher, you’re entitled to enhanced internet access during your stay, regardless of how you booked your room. That’s right—even if you book through Hotels.com, the Capital One Travel Portal, or another third-party site, this perk still applies.

Let’s look at the official wording from Marriott Bonvoy’s Terms & Conditions:

1.3.c. Complimentary In-Room Internet Access. A Member who books a stay at a Participating Property through a Marriott Channel will receive complimentary standard in-room internet access during the stay. In addition, Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite, Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite, Marriott Bonvoy Titanium Elite, Marriott Bonvoy Ambassador Elite Members, and any co-brand credit card holder that has premium internet access as a benefit, will receive complimentary enhanced in-room internet access regardless of booking method (collectively, the “Internet Access Benefit”).

Most members probably assume that benefits like this only apply if you book directly through Marriott’s website, app, or call center. But this is one of the rare exceptions where that’s not the case. If you have status, the perk follows you—even when booking elsewhere.

What if your resort fee includes internet?

Here’s another detail buried in the T&Cs that might surprise you.

If the hotel you’re staying at charges a mandatory resort or destination fee that includes internet access, and you’re already entitled to free enhanced internet through your Bonvoy status, the hotel should offer you a replacement benefit.

Participating Properties that have mandatory resort charges, which include internet access, will provide a replacement benefit, to be determined at each Participating Property’s discretion.

So for example, let’s say you’re a Platinum Elite member staying at a Marriott property that tacks on a $30/night resort fee, which includes internet access. Since you already get that for free due to your status, the property is supposed to give you something else instead—like extra Bonvoy points, a food and beverage credit, or another perk. What you get is up to the hotel.

There’s one notable exception:

MGM Collection with Marriott Bonvoy does not provide a replacement benefit for the internet access included in their resort fee.

And of course, properties that already offer free Wi-Fi to all guests don’t have to provide anything extra.

I’d bet that you now know more about the rules of Marriott Bonvoy than most hotel employees. The real challenge is getting them to honor these benefits—especially if you booked through a third-party site. And don’t expect Marriott corporate to back you up if the hotel refuses, even when the Terms & Conditions are crystal clear.

And, as they say, that’s the rest of the story.

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This post first appeared on Your Mileage May Vary