Members can enjoy complimentary internet access — the latest perk — by booking through Starwood’s online channels or the SPG app
Professional travel agents booking hotels via SPG.com can secure free internet access for their SPG clients
Stamford, Connecticut, December 18, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Whether traveling for business or leisure, staying connected while on the go is essential for today’s travelers. To address this, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) announced that all SPG members who book through Starwood’s digital channels will now enjoy complimentary standard in-room internet access at participating hotels worldwide.
“As the digital era evolves rapidly, the demand for connectivity among guests and mobile users while traveling continues to grow, and SPG members consider seamless internet access as important as a quality bed,” said Chris Holdren , Senior Vice President of SPG and Digital at Starwood. “The introduction of complimentary in-room internet access directly responds to this need, enhances the guest experience, and shows our appreciation to the SPG members who travel with us.”
Starting February 2, 2015, SPG members can enjoy complimentary internet access simply by booking through any of Starwood’s digital channels, including the company website, brand websites, mobile sites, and the SPG app.
Starwood’s digital channels are increasingly popular among SPG members. Among all digital platforms, the SPG app has seen the fastest growth in bookings — up nearly 60% year-over-year. Overall, the growth rate across all Starwood digital channels exceeded 10%, prompting the company to reward guests for using these platforms with this thoughtful offering.
“This year, we’ve been focused on developing tools that allow guests to take control of their stay and personalize their journey,” said Holdren. “SPG members can now set their preferences via SPG Preferences or at the front desk, and use the SPG app’s digital key system on their smartphones for smart check-in and a world of possibilities. We continue to empower our loyal guests with more control, and complimentary internet access is a milestone in this effort.”
Expanded Benefits:BySPG.combooking a hotel, professional travel agents can provide complimentary internet access
In addition to SPG members, SPG also aims to reward professional travel agents who help book accommodations for travelers. With the launch of SPG Pro — a new loyalty program designed for professional travel agents — all agents have the opportunity to offer free internet to their clients, provided the booking is made via spg.com and the client is an SPG member. Existing members enrolled in this program will enjoy this added benefit along with other perks from SPG Pro.
Chris Austin, Global Vice President of Retail, Leisure, and Luxury Sales, added: “This move underscores Starwood’s commitment to supporting travel professionals, including those from growing family-run agencies, by giving these important partners the same opportunities as their clients.”
For more information and to ensure you can enjoy complimentary in-room internet access during your next stay at a Starwood property, visit spg.com/internet.
About Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading companies in the world’s hotel and leisure industry, with more than 1,200 properties in over 100 countries and approximately 181,400 employees at its owned and managed properties. As a globally recognized brand, Starwood is a fully integrated owner, operator, and franchisor of hotels, resorts, and residences, with a portfolio of world-renowned brands including St. Regis, The Luxury Collection, W Hotels, Westin, Le Méridien, Sheraton, Four Points by Sheraton, Aloft, and Element. Starwood also boasts an industry-leading and highly acclaimed loyalty program — SPG — which allows members to earn and redeem points for free stays, room upgrades, and flights, with no blackout dates. Starwood also owns Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., delivering world-class vacation experiences through villa-style resorts and brand-exclusive privileges.eFor more information, please visit
. www.starwoodhotels.com/cnAbout
the SPG Club
SPG (Starwood Preferred Guest) is an award-winning and innovative loyalty program encompassing nine distinctive hotel brands under Starwood, including many luxury hotels located in the world’s top destinations.
Since its launch in 1999, SPG has been a game-changer in customer loyalty programs, introducing the groundbreaking policy of no blackout dates, and later rolling out innovations such as Cash + Points rewards, SPG Moments, and more recent offerings like Your24 and SPG Lifetime.
Members can use Starpoints earned through SPG not only for free nights at over 1,200 hotels and resorts worldwide and for flights on more than 350 airlines with no blackout dates, but also to enjoy one-of-a-kind experiences in music, sports, and the arts through SPG Moments.
Meeting planners and professional travel agents enrolled in SPG can take advantage of valuable benefits through SPG Pro, such as Starpoints and elite night credits. SPG also leads in digital innovation — from the SPG app (for local insights and personalized stays), to the Best Rate Guarantee on SPG.com, and integrations with social media platforms — all designed to meet the needs of today’s global travelers.
These diverse rewards have made SPG a magnet for frequent travelers worldwide, building a passionate membership base.
For more information, visit spg.com/cn and spg.com/moments, or follow us on Sina Weibo @StarwoodSPGClub, WeChat @SPG-Starwood, facebook.com/spg, twitter.com/spg, foursquare.com/spg, pinterest.com/spglife, and youtube.com/spg.