How can I get free WiFi at a Hotel?

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 You’re staying at a nice hotel somewhere in a major city that wants to charge you up to $23 per day for Wi-Fi! How do you react to management? What approach do you take to score free WiFi?
Considering it’s 2015, that’s way too much for Internet. Many hotels charge a “resort” fee, as well as other surcharges for amenities, including access to a gym or free breakfast. But mostly, free WiFi is readily accessible in the lobby area.
However, before you get bent out of shape over the excess cost (What? Are they going to charge you extra for basic utilities, like water and electricity, too?), here are a few things you can try.

Join a guest membership program.
Members of a particular hotel chain, such as Starwood, Marriot, and Omni, can enjoy free internet. Ask them whether they offer any guest membership programs, and whether joining is free of charge (many are). As a member of their loyalty scheme, you get the perks of free Internet--without having to pay the daily fee.

Sometimes, asking nicely and being polite works 100% of the time.
You don’t have to be mean or threaten them with a negative TripAdvisor review. Sometimes, all it takes is for you to approach the front desk nicely, and ask them if they can provide you with complimentary WiFi. Period.
They may react by saying. “No, we charge for Internet.” (which you already know that’s why you’re asking), but then you can say “No, I’d like you to comp me for the Internet.” and just stare at them and smile. It’ll surprise you what you can get away with when you’re nice to people. By this time, they’ll either just allow you free access, or they’ll ask permission from their manager. Repeat your request, and they’ll say, “Yes.”.
If the manager absolutely won’t budge, you can try telling them remorsefully that you were just about to get a couple of drinks in their bar while sifting through your emails, however, now you’ll have to go to a nearby cafe for free WiFi. Wish them a good day and leave. Chances are, the manager might give you an offer.

 Usually hotel guests can request for all sorts of free things, like free drinks, free meals, and even free nights. It’s rare for front desk employees to turn down requests because pleasing guests and making them happy are their no.1 priority. (They have no responsibility over the loss of profits.) This holds true most especially if you’re a guest paying full price at a luxury hotel, costing $150-$300 a night. The average cost to maintain a room ranges from $30-$39. So, waiving that $25 fee shouldn’t be a big thing.
Charging $20 a day for WiFi doesn’t seem reasonable, considering it fetches up to $750 a month per user! That’s $3,000 for a family of four! It’s weird that electricity and hot water which incur marginal costs for hotels (depending on usage), are free but Wifi, which brings in no marginal cost, is not.
However, if you’re on a business trip that requires Internet access, and prior to booking, the hotel failed to disclose the absence of free WiFi, you might be able to get a one-night minimum no-show charge. 

 And if all else fails, there's free WiFi in a nearby café or shop.

 Many “luxury” hotels offer a premium price for WiFi service, and in most cases, the connection is slow and intermittent. A Starbucks nearby is probably all you need for a good connection.
Did you ever have to pay a ridiculous price for WiFi? Share your story below!





About Post Author

I’m a wandering Filipina-German living in Manila. Flower child and moonlighter at heart, I dream, write, photograph, (model sometimes), and specialize in content and user experience design.

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About Me

About Me
I’m a wandering Filipina-German living in Manila. Flower child and moonlighter at heart, I dream, write, photograph, (model sometimes), and specialize in content and user experience design

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