While Starwood Preferred Guest elite members can access free Internet in the Club lounge, the program is now offering complimentary in-room Internet to its most frequent guests. As of March 1, 2010, Platinum members can log on to the Internet for free at any of Starwood’s more than 940 participating properties worldwide.

When accessing the Internet from your room, choose the option to accept the hotel’s Internet access charges. When you receive your final hotel bill, the Internet charge fee will be waived, so be sure to check and make sure you haven’t been erroneously charged for Internet usage. If you book your stay through a third party such as hotwire.com or expedia.com, in-hotel Platinum benefits (including complimentary Internet) will not apply.

Bottom line: We expect more hotel programs to start offering free Internet service to elite members. Unlike Hyatt Gold Passport that offers free Internet to all elite members, SPG’s offer only applies to Platinum members, Starwood’s highest tier attainable after 50 nights or 25 stays per year.