glh., the London-based global hotel subsidiary of the Singapore-listed GuocoLeisure Group, has teamed up with BT Wi-fi to launch its fast, free unlimited and one click to connect Wi-Fi service for all guests and visitors across glh. properties.

Demand for Wi-Fi in hotels is rising, with glh.-owned Thistle guests using over one billion minutes of Wi-Fi in 2013.

A report by BDRC Continental found that guests consider free Wi-Fi as important as a good night’s sleep.

Combined with the rapid explosion in smartphones use, predicted to reach 2.4bn by 2015, the role of reliable Wi-Fi has never been more crucial to hotel guests.

Erik Raphael, chief executive of BT Wi-fi said: “The rise in popularity of smartphones and Wi-Fi enabled devices means that consumers want to be able to get online anywhere. glh. is revolutionising the modern hotel industry and technology will continue to play a key part in differentiating the discerning hotel guest’s experience.

“We’re delighted to be playing a fundamental role in improving the experience for their customers.”

As an owner/operator, glh. has taken the lead in upgrading its Wi-Fi service becoming BTs biggest user of free wi-fi. glh. now offer free fast and unlimited Wi-Fi in all bedrooms, lobby areas and meetings to any visitors to glh. hotels.

Mike DeNoma, chief executive of glh. said: “No registrations, no limitations and no fine print, just fast, free unlimited BT Wi-fi. Investing in cutting edge BT technology to ensure that anyone visiting our hotels has access to free, fast, and one-click to connect Wi-Fi is a long-term investment in customer loyalty.

“Strong, unlimited Wi-Fi across our properties is what keeps our customers connected.”

“As the first suppliers of public Wi-Fi in the UK over ten years ago, BT was the ideal partner for glh. in this initiative.

“BT Wi-fi is the largest Wi-Fi network in the UK with a rich history of driving innovation in the world of technology.

“BT understands the intricate challenges of installing Wi-Fi in a heritage hotel building as opposed to a modern office building.

“Together with BT Wi-fi we have installed [2800] antennae across our hotel portfolio - a significant investment in providing a great service to all our customers.”