Today, SPG Platinum Members the world over are rejoicing at news of a new benefit... Free In-Room Internet at more than 940 hotels around the world, starting March 1, 2010.

It has long been a complaint of mine, and thousands of others, that high-end luxury hotels charge for Internet Access, while cheaper, lower-quality hotels often include Internet Access free of charge. The thinking has always been, that the people staying at these properties are either uber-rich or on business expense accounts, and that is why they charge so much for Internet Access, Valet Parking, and in-room telephone calls.

But Starwood Hotels has come through with a benefit for Platinum Elite members (those who stay 25 times or 50 nights a year), with free in-room internet. This is likely in response to Hyatt who offered the same benefit to its top-tier members in 2009, and Fairmont who offers all loyalty program members free internet access.

I know myself, I often take the added cost of Internet into account when booking a room, and have often adjusted my plans to avoid a hotel that doesn't include it or have left the hotel in search of a cafe with free or low hourly rates for Internet access.

So now, I will be more loyal to the more luxurious hotels in the Starwood family, and with promos such as double, triple and quadruple starpoints, and free Amazon gift cards, it will be hard to stay with another hotel brand in the coming months!

• Darren Mak's blog