NWTM - Northwestern Travel Management - NTM Business Traveler : March 2003 : Hotel News & Offers

Marriott International and Intel agreed to jointly promote wireless high-speed Internet access at 400 Marriott, Renaissance, Courtyard, Residence Inn, TownePlace Suites, Fairfield Inn and SpringHill Suites hotels in the U.S., Canada, the U.K. and Germany. Marriott said more than 200 of its hotels offer wireless Internet access, and it plans to provide access to 200 additional properties this spring. The campaign will include advertising and direct-mail promotions, as well as the placement of signs around the hotels identifying "hot spots," including public places and meetings rooms, where the wireless technology is available. Guests with wireless cards in their laptops will pay $2.95 for the first 15 minutes of the service, and 25 cents a minute thereafter.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide and Intel also struck a marketing agreement to enable wireless Internet access in the 150 Sheraton, Westin and W hotels in the United States. The installation of wireless technology in Starwood hotels will take place between March and August.

By the end of 2003, Omni Hotels plans to offer free high-speed, wireless Internet access in guestrooms and select public spaces. This new service will allow guests to log on through their wireless-compliant network interface card, a feature in most new laptops. If laptops aren't thusly equipped, Omni will provide wireless adapters for a small fee.

Hyatt Expands Gold Passport Program

Hyatt Hotels has announced that members of its Gold Passport frequent guest program can earn points at all Hawthorn Suites properties. Hawthorn Suites is the first hotel partner in Hyatt's 15-year-old program. Gold Passport members can earn three points per dollar on eligible suite rates during Hawthorn stays. Points are redeemable at any Hyatt hotel or resort or Hawthorn Suites worldwide. Free nights can be redeemed for 4,000 points per night at Hawthorn Suites and 5,000 points per night at Hyatt.

Special Offer at the Intercontinental Houston

The Intercontinental Houston is offering a promotion for business travelers who may feel too guilty about spending the company's money (or their own) crackingthe overpriced mini-bar or watching a pricey in-room movie. Through March 31, guests who pay the business options rate of $199 receive both amenities for each night of their stay. Travelers that stay two or more nights also receive a voucher for a free room night redeemable at any Intercontinental hotel worldwide.

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