Whether you're traveling for business or pleasure, reliable and fast internet is practically a necessity these days. At Marriott hotels, you'll typically find a standard Wi-Fi offering, but if you need more speed for streaming, video calls, or heavy work, upgrading your Marriott Wi-Fi can make a huge difference. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know, step by step!
How Do I Upgrade My Marriott Wi-Fi? A Comprehensive Guide
Are you tired of buffering videos or slow downloads while staying at a Marriott property? Do you need a faster, more reliable internet connection for work, entertainment, or staying connected with loved ones? You're in the right place! Upgrading your Marriott Wi-Fi is generally a straightforward process, and often, your Marriott Bonvoy status can even grant you complimentary access to higher tiers. Let's dive in!
Step 1: Assess Your Current Wi-Fi Needs and Status
Before you even think about upgrading, let's figure out what you're working with and what you really need.
1.1 Are You a Marriott Bonvoy Member?
This is the first and most important question! Marriott Bonvoy members, even at the basic level, generally receive complimentary in-room standard Wi-Fi when booking directly through Marriott channels (their website, app, or by phone). Higher elite tiers offer even better benefits:
Silver Elite: Complimentary in-room Wi-Fi (standard).
Gold Elite: Complimentary in-room Wi-Fi, often enhanced or premium where available.
Platinum Elite and above (Titanium, Ambassador): Generally receive complimentary premium in-room internet access. This is usually the fastest available tier and can save you a significant amount of money.
If you're not a Marriott Bonvoy member, consider joining! It's free and instantly grants you basic complimentary Wi-Fi and access to member rates. You can usually join directly on the Marriott Wi-Fi login page when you connect.
1.2 What's Your Current Wi-Fi Speed Like?
Connect to the complimentary Wi-Fi and run a quick speed test. Websites like Speedtest.net or Fast.com are excellent for this. Note down your download and upload speeds. This will give you a baseline to compare against any upgraded options. Sometimes, the "standard" Wi-Fi is perfectly adequate for basic Browse and email.
1.3 What Are You Using the Internet For?
Basic Browse/email/social media? Standard Wi-Fi is likely sufficient.
Streaming HD movies/TV shows? You'll probably want a faster connection.
Video conferencing (Zoom, Google Meet)? Upload speed becomes crucial here, so an upgrade is highly recommended.
Large file downloads/uploads for work? Definitely opt for the highest speed available.
Online gaming? Low latency (ping) and high speeds are key.
Understanding your usage will help you decide if an upgrade is truly necessary or just a nice-to-have.
Step 2: Connecting to the Marriott Wi-Fi and Initiating the Upgrade Process
Once you're in your room, it's time to get connected.
2.1 Find the Marriott Network
On your device (laptop, phone, tablet), open your Wi-Fi settings and look for the Marriott network. It will typically be named something like MarriottBonvoy, MarriottBonvoy_Guest, or a specific brand name followed by _Guest (e.g., Courtyard_Guest). If you're unsure, ask the front desk for the correct network name.
2.2 Connect and Wait for the Portal
Select the appropriate network and connect. Your device should automatically open a web browser to the Marriott Wi-Fi login portal.
Troubleshooting Tip: If the portal doesn't appear, try opening your web browser and typing www.marriottwifi.com or internetupgrade.marriott.com into the address bar. Sometimes, clearing your browser's cache or using an incognito/private Browse window can also help.
2.3 The Login Portal – Your Gateway to Faster Speeds
On the portal, you'll typically be presented with a few options:
"Connect as a Marriott Bonvoy Member": If you're a member, select this. You'll usually be prompted to enter your room number and last name.
"Connect as a Guest" / "Purchase Internet Access": If you're not a member or prefer not to use your membership benefits for some reason (though it's highly recommended you do!), this option will likely lead to paid tiers.
"Upgrade Internet" / "Enhanced Internet": This is where you'll find the options to pay for a faster connection.
Step 3: Selecting Your Upgrade Option and Completing the Purchase (If Applicable)
This is where you make the magic happen!
3.1 Reviewing the Tiers and Costs
The Wi-Fi portal will display the available internet tiers and their associated costs (if any). You might see options like:
Standard Wi-Fi (Complimentary for Members): Sufficient for basic Browse, email.
Enhanced / Premium Wi-Fi (Complimentary for Gold Elite and above, or for Purchase): Faster speeds, better for streaming, video calls, larger downloads. This is often 3x the basic speed.
Ultimate / Business Wi-Fi (Least Common, Highest Speed, Usually for Purchase): The fastest option, designed for heavy-duty usage.
Carefully review the stated speeds and prices. Costs can vary by hotel and region, but typically range from a few dollars to upwards of $15-20 per day for premium service.
3.2 Making Your Selection
If you're a Platinum Elite member or higher: Select the "Premium" or "Enhanced" option. It should show as complimentary for your status. Confirm your room number and last name if prompted.
If you're a Silver/Gold Elite member or a non-member, and want to upgrade: Select the "Enhanced" or "Premium" option. You'll be directed to a payment screen.
3.3 Payment and Confirmation
If you're paying for the upgrade, you'll usually be asked to charge it to your room. This is convenient as it's added to your hotel bill. Confirm your choice, and the system should then connect your device to the upgraded speed.
Pro-Tip: Some hotels may have a daily limit on the number of devices that can connect to the premium Wi-Fi under a single Elite status benefit. If you need more devices, you might have to pay for additional connections or speak to the front desk.
Step 4: Verifying Your Upgraded Connection
Don't just assume it worked!
4.1 Run Another Speed Test
Once you've "upgraded," immediately run another speed test (Speedtest.net or Fast.com) to confirm you're receiving the faster speeds you paid for or are entitled to. Compare it to your initial baseline.
4.2 Check for Performance Issues
Try doing what you intended to do with the upgraded Wi-Fi. Is your video streaming smoothly? Are your video calls clear? Are your downloads progressing quickly?
Step 5: Troubleshooting and Seeking Assistance
Sometimes, things don't go as planned.
5.1 If the Upgrade Didn't Work or Speeds Are Still Slow
Restart your device: A simple reboot can often resolve connectivity issues.
Forget the network: On your device, "forget" the Marriott Wi-Fi network and then reconnect. This can force a fresh connection and portal pop-up.
Try a different browser/incognito mode: Sometimes browser extensions or cached data can interfere.
Contact the Front Desk: This is your primary resource. Explain that you've attempted to upgrade and are not getting the expected speeds or are having trouble connecting. They can often reset your connection or provide a direct contact for the hotel's IT support or internet provider. Many hotels have dedicated internet support numbers.
Check for MAC Address issues (advanced): In some cases, the hotel's system might be tied to your device's MAC address. If you're having persistent issues, especially after initially connecting to the free tier, some users report success by enabling "Private Wi-Fi Address" (iOS) or "Random Hardware Addresses" (Android/Windows) in their device's Wi-Fi settings. This makes the network see your device as new and can trigger the login portal again. Disconnect and reconnect after changing this setting.
5.2 If You Were Charged Incorrectly
If you believe you were charged for an upgrade you didn't receive, or if your Elite status should have granted you complimentary access, keep a record of your Bonvoy member number and the dates of your stay. Speak to the front desk immediately. If they can't resolve it, contact Marriott Customer Service directly after your stay.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 common questions about upgrading Marriott Wi-Fi, with quick answers:
How to get free premium Wi-Fi at Marriott?
You can often get free premium Wi-Fi at Marriott if you have Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status or higher (Titanium, Ambassador), and book directly through Marriott channels. Some Marriott credit cards also offer this benefit.
How to check my current Marriott Bonvoy elite status?
You can check your Marriott Bonvoy elite status by logging into your Marriott Bonvoy account on the Marriott website or via the Marriott Bonvoy mobile app. Your status level will be displayed prominently.
How to connect to Marriott Wi-Fi if the portal doesn't appear?
If the Wi-Fi portal doesn't appear automatically, open your web browser and type www.marriottwifi.com or internetupgrade.marriott.com into the address bar. You can also try clearing your browser cache or using an incognito/private window.
How to know if the hotel offers enhanced Wi-Fi?
The Marriott Wi-Fi login portal will typically display the available internet tiers, including "Enhanced" or "Premium" options, and their associated costs or if they are complimentary for elite members.
How to cancel a Marriott Wi-Fi upgrade?
Once you've purchased an upgrade, it's usually valid for a set period (e.g., 24 hours). You generally cannot "cancel" it mid-way. If you were incorrectly charged, speak to the front desk immediately.
How to ensure I'm getting the advertised upgrade speeds?
After upgrading, run a speed test using a reliable service like Speedtest.net or Fast.com to verify that your download and upload speeds match or are close to the advertised speeds for the upgraded tier.
How to upgrade Marriott Wi-Fi on multiple devices?
Generally, one premium Wi-Fi entitlement (whether paid or through elite status) covers a single room, allowing multiple devices to connect to the upgraded speed. The login portal will typically guide you on connecting additional devices.
How to troubleshoot slow Wi-Fi after upgrading at Marriott?
First, restart your device and then forget and reconnect to the Marriott Wi-Fi network. If issues persist, contact the hotel's front desk for assistance; they can often reset your connection or provide IT support.
How to find the Marriott customer service number for Wi-Fi issues?
You can find Marriott customer service contact details on the Marriott website under the "Contact Us" section. For immediate assistance with in-hotel Wi-Fi, it's best to contact the hotel's front desk directly.
How to avoid paying for Marriott Wi-Fi upgrades?
To avoid paying for Wi-Fi upgrades, achieve Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status or higher, as this typically grants complimentary premium internet access. Alternatively, some Marriott co-branded credit cards may offer this benefit.
