Struggling with slow hotel Wi-Fi? You're not alone! In today's digital world, a reliable and fast internet connection is no longer a luxury, it's a necessity. Whether you're working remotely, streaming your favorite show, or simply staying connected with loved ones, sluggish Wi-Fi can turn a relaxing stay into a frustrating ordeal. Fortunately, Marriott offers several ways to upgrade your in-room internet experience. This comprehensive guide will walk you through each step to ensure you get the speed you need for a seamless stay.
Understanding Marriott Wi-Fi Options
Before we dive into the upgrade process, it's important to understand the different Wi-Fi tiers typically offered by Marriott properties.
Standard (Basic) Internet: This is usually complimentary for all Marriott Bonvoy members and often for guests who book directly through Marriott channels. It's suitable for basic Browse, email, and light social media use. Speeds can vary significantly by property.
Enhanced (Premium) Internet: This is a faster tier designed for more demanding activities like high-definition streaming, video calls, and large file downloads. It's often complimentary for higher-tier Marriott Bonvoy Elite members (Gold Elite and above) and typically available for a fee for other guests.
The specific speeds for "standard" and "enhanced" internet can vary by hotel, but generally, you can expect enhanced internet to be significantly faster (often 3x or more the speed of basic).
Your Step-by-Step Guide to Upgrading Marriott Wi-Fi
Here's how to ensure you get the best possible internet connection during your Marriott stay:
Step 1: Check Your Marriott Bonvoy Status (And Sign Up If You Haven't!)
Are you a Marriott Bonvoy member? If not, this is your first and most crucial step! Joining Marriott Bonvoy is free and instantly grants you access to complimentary standard in-room Wi-Fi at participating hotels. Higher elite tiers also offer complimentary premium Wi-Fi.
Why it matters: Many Marriott Bonvoy benefits, including complimentary Wi-Fi, are only available to members.
How to check or join:
Visit the Marriott Bonvoy website: Navigate to
marriott.com/loyalty/member-benefits.mito learn more and sign up.Download the Marriott Bonvoy App: The app allows for easy sign-up and management of your account.
Step 2: Connect to the Hotel's Basic Wi-Fi Network
Before you can upgrade, you need to establish a connection to the hotel's existing Wi-Fi network.
Sub-heading: Finding the Network
On your device (smartphone, laptop, tablet): Open your Wi-Fi settings or wireless utility.
Look for a network name similar to "MarriottBonvoy", "MarriottBonvoy_Guest", or a
"[Brand Name]_Guest"network (e.g., "Courtyard_Guest"). If you're unsure, ask the front desk for the correct network name.
Sub-heading: Initiating the Connection
Select the correct network.
Your device should automatically redirect you to a Marriott Wi-Fi connection screen or captive portal in your web browser. If it doesn't, try manually opening your web browser and typing
www.marriottwifi.comorinternetupgrade.marriott.cominto the address bar.You might be prompted to enter your room number and last name. Follow the on-screen instructions.
Step 3: Look for the Upgrade Option on the Portal
Once you're connected to the basic Wi-Fi and the Marriott portal page loads, you should see options for internet access.
Sub-heading: Identifying the Upgrade Link
Carefully read the information presented on the screen. There will typically be a clear option to "Upgrade to Enhanced Internet" or "Premium Wi-Fi."
If you are a Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite member or higher, the system should recognize your status and offer complimentary premium access. Ensure you're logged into your Bonvoy account (or that your reservation is linked to it).
Sub-heading: Proceeding with the Upgrade
Click on the designated upgrade link or button.
If there's a charge for the enhanced internet, the portal will display the pricing and payment options. This is where you'll authorize the charge to your room or provide credit card details.
Step 4: Verify Your Upgraded Speed
After completing the upgrade process, it's a good idea to confirm that you're receiving the faster speeds.
Sub-heading: Running a Speed Test
Open a web browser and go to a reliable speed testing website (e.g.,
speedtest.net,fast.com).Run a speed test. Compare the results to the standard Wi-Fi speed you might have initially experienced (if any), or to what you expect from an enhanced connection.
Typical enhanced speeds can range from 30 Mbps to 80+ Mbps download, but this is highly variable by property and network infrastructure.
Step 5: Troubleshooting (If Things Go Wrong)
Sometimes, technology doesn't cooperate. Don't fret!
Sub-heading: Common Fixes
Restart your device: A simple restart can often resolve connectivity glitches.
Clear your browser's cache and cookies: This can help if the portal isn't loading correctly.
Try a different browser or device: Is the issue specific to one device?
Ensure you're on the correct network: Double-check the Wi-Fi network name.
Sub-heading: Contacting Hotel Staff
If you're still facing issues, the front desk is your best resource. They can:
Confirm the correct Wi-Fi network and any passwords.
Assist with the upgrade portal.
Direct you to the hotel's IT support or the internet provider's help desk if necessary. They often have a dedicated support line for guest internet issues.
Be polite and clear about your issue. Provide your room number and describe the problem thoroughly.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about upgrading Marriott Wi-Fi, with quick answers:
How to get complimentary premium Wi-Fi at Marriott?
Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite members and higher (Platinum, Titanium, Ambassador) typically receive complimentary in-room premium internet access at participating hotels. You must be a member and book directly through Marriott channels.
How to troubleshoot Marriott Wi-Fi if the connection screen doesn't load?
Try manually typing
http://marriottwifi.comorinternetupgrade.marriott.cominto your web browser. If issues persist, clear your browser cache and cookies, or contact the front desk.
How to know my current Wi-Fi speed at a Marriott hotel?
Once connected, open a web browser and visit a speed test website like
speedtest.netorfast.comto measure your current download and upload speeds.
How to ensure my Marriott Bonvoy status is recognized for Wi-Fi benefits?
Ensure your Marriott Bonvoy member number is linked to your reservation when booking. When connecting to Wi-Fi, the portal should recognize your status if your reservation details are correctly entered.
How to connect multiple devices to the upgraded Marriott Wi-Fi?
Generally, the premium internet upgrade applies to one room per eligible member per stay. Most hotels allow multiple devices within that room to connect under the same upgraded plan, often by registering them on the portal or using the same room number/last name.
How to get a refund for a paid Wi-Fi upgrade if speeds are still slow?
If you paid for enhanced internet and are not experiencing the advertised or expected speeds, immediately contact the front desk. Provide details of your speed tests and request assistance or a refund.
How to use a wired connection at a Marriott hotel for faster internet?
Some Marriott rooms may have an Ethernet port. If available, connecting directly with an Ethernet cable can sometimes provide a more stable and faster connection than Wi-Fi, bypassing potential wireless congestion.
How to find out the cost of upgrading Marriott Wi-Fi before checking in?
The cost for enhanced Wi-Fi can vary by property. While not always explicitly stated during booking, you can sometimes find this information on the hotel's amenities page on
marriott.comor by calling the hotel directly before your stay.
How to prevent my device from automatically connecting to the basic Wi-Fi after upgrading?
Once you've upgraded, your device should typically remain connected to the enhanced service. If it reverts, ensure you've properly completed the upgrade steps on the portal and, if necessary, "forget" the basic network on your device and reconnect to the higher tier.
How to contact Marriott IT support for Wi-Fi issues from my room?
For in-room Wi-Fi issues, your first point of contact should always be the hotel's front desk. They can often troubleshoot common problems or connect you with the specific IT support provider for that property.
