Macdonald Hotels to offer free wi-fi after Cloud deal

Macdonald Hotels & Resorts is to offer free wi-fi throughout its owned hotels across the UK.

Macdonald Hotels & Resorts is to offer free wi-fi  throughout its owned hotels across the UK.

A deal with wi-fi provider The Cloud will make fast internet available for an unlimited time across public hotel areas, meeting rooms and all bedrooms.

The deal adds to The Cloud’s portfolio of 1,250 hotels, including Marriott and Crowne Plaza properties across 13 European countries.

The Cloud has more than 18,000 access points in the UK including M&S, PizzaExpress, Pret, Caffè Nero, Eat and schuh.

MacDonald Hotels chief executive David Guile said: “More and more guests see free, reliable internet access as a crucial part of their hotel visit, whether that’s using social media to share holiday updates, business travellers who want to catch up on emails or access documents remotely or conference organisers who need to enable delegates full access to the internet as part of their training, presentation or workshop.

“To provide our guests with the service they expect, we need to offer wi-fi that enables them to get online quickly and easily. This is a free, unlimited offering, meaning people can spend as long as they necessary online to ensure they get the most out of their stay.”

The Cloud managing director Vince Russell said: “The demand for wi-fi access is constantly growing and hospitality is key to this because a hotel should be a ‘home-from-home’ – the ability to access fast, free internet is part of that experience.

“In fact not only does free wi-fi benefit guests at hotels, but it also helps the hotel itself. For example it can be used to highlight the venue’s services and encourage people to use them.

“In addition our wi-fi landing page has a large advertising space which hosts advertising from non-competing brands, such as a local tourist attraction, which can provide a useful extra revenue stream.”