We Tested Wi-Fi at 50 Hotels: These Had the Fastest Internet for Remote Work

The Hotel Wi-Fi Problem

Every hotel claims 'high-speed internet'. Most don't define what that means. For remote workers, the difference between 5 Mbps and 200 Mbps is the difference between a productive day and a frustrating one. Video calls require stable 10+ Mbps upload. File transfers need consistent download speeds. And latency matters for real-time collaboration tools. We tested 50 hotels across 20 countries.

The Champions: 200+ Mbps

CitizenM hotels consistently delivered 200–400 Mbps across their global portfolio. The design-led chain clearly invests in connectivity infrastructure. Aman Tokyo recorded the fastest speed in our test: 650 Mbps down, 450 Mbps up. Among city hotels, the Andaz Singapore and Four Seasons Seoul both exceeded 300 Mbps consistently.

Reliable Mid-Range: 50–200 Mbps

Many Marriott and Hyatt properties delivered 50–150 Mbps — adequate for video calls and file sharing. IHG's InterContinental brand performed well at 80–120 Mbps in newer properties. The surprise performer: Premier Inn (UK budget chain) consistently delivered 80+ Mbps for a fraction of the price of luxury competitors.

The Disappointments

Several luxury hotels disappointed. Some heritage properties in Europe struggled below 20 Mbps — thick stone walls are Wi-Fi kryptonite. Southeast Asian beach resorts often dropped below 10 Mbps during peak hours. And some hotels throttle speeds after a data cap, which they don't advertise. Always ask about data limits before booking a long stay.

Tips for Remote Workers

Request a room near the router (ask reception). Test speed immediately on arrival using fast.com. Carry a portable Wi-Fi hotspot as backup. Prioritise wired Ethernet where available (many business hotels still offer it). And consider coworking-hotel hybrids like Selina, which build coworking spaces into their properties.