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 simply for enrolling in the Marriott Bonvoy program and booking directly through one of Marriott’s channels, including Marriott’s website, app or phone reservations.
Elite Members Get More Than Standard Wi-Fi
If you have Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status or higher, you’re generally 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.
There is one important exception: MGM Collection with Marriott Bonvoy properties are carved out separately and do not provide complimentary Wi-Fi, enhanced Wi-Fi, or replacement internet benefits.
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 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.
Of course, properties that already offer free Wi-Fi to all guests don’t have to provide an additional benefit.
The Hard Part Is Getting Hotels To Honor It
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 be surprised if Marriott corporate is less helpful than you’d expect when a hotel refuses to honor the benefit, even when the Terms & Conditions seem crystal clear.
Whether the hotel actually honors the benefit is another story entirely.
Want to comment on this post? Great! Read this first to help ensure it gets approved.
Want to sponsor a post, write something for Your Mileage May Vary, or put ads on our site? Click here for more info.
Like this post? Please share it! We have plenty more just like it and would love it if you decided to hang around and sign up to get emailed notifications of when we post.
Whether you’ve read our articles before or this is the first time you’re stopping by, we’re really glad you’re here and hope you come back to visit again!
This post first appeared on Your Mileage May Vary
