Hotel Wi-Fi is one of the most convenient perks for travelers — but also one of the riskiest ways to get online. Even in reputable hotels, public networks are prime hunting grounds for cybercriminals, data harvesters, and snoops. Your personal information, passwords, and browsing history can be exposed in seconds without proper protection.

The easiest and most effective defense? A reliable Virtual Private Network (VPN). And among the options out there, Surfshark stands out for its mix of speed, security, and unlimited device support, making it ideal for frequent travelers.

In this guide, we’ll walk through why hotel Wi-Fi is dangerous, how a VPN solves the problem, and exactly how to set up Surfshark before you connect.

Why Hotel Wi-Fi Is a Security Risk

When you connect to hotel Wi-Fi, you’re sharing the same network as dozens — sometimes hundreds — of strangers. Unlike your home router, public networks often have:

• Weak or outdated encryption (or none at all)

• Shared credentials (every guest gets the same Wi-Fi password)

• Potential rogue access points (fake hotspots created to steal data)

• No segmentation between users (allowing packet sniffing and device snooping)
  
  

Attackers can exploit these weaknesses to intercept your traffic, capture login details, or even inject malware. Even legitimate hotel staff could technically monitor guest activity if they wanted to.

How a VPN Protects You on Hotel Wi-Fi

A VPN encrypts your internet traffic and routes it through a secure server before it reaches the web. This creates a private tunnel between your device and the internet, shielding your data from:

• Hackers — Encrypted data is unreadable to attackers.

• ISPs and hotel network admins — They see only that you’re connected to a VPN, not what you’re doing.

• Geo-restrictions — You can access your home streaming services or work tools abroad.
  
  

With Surfshark, this tunnel uses AES-256-GCM encryption (military-grade) and modern protocols like WireGuard for fast speeds, even when you’re halfway around the world.

Why Surfshark Is Ideal for Hotel Wi-Fi Security

While many VPNs offer basic encryption, Surfshark adds several advantages that matter for travelers:

• Unlimited device connections — Secure your phone, laptop, tablet, and even travel companions’ devices on the same account.

• Camouflage Mode — Makes your VPN traffic look like regular browsing, useful in countries or networks that restrict VPNs.

• MultiHop servers — Routes your connection through two servers in different countries for an extra privacy layer.

• CleanWeb — Blocks ads, trackers, and malicious sites, reducing risk from phishing attempts often lurking on public networks.

• Global server network — Over 3,200 servers in 100+ countries, ensuring a nearby fast connection wherever you are.
  
  

For someone living out of hotel rooms or traveling for business, this combination means you get both security and performance without juggling multiple subscriptions.

How to Set Up Surfshark Before Connecting to Hotel Wi-Fi

Setting up a VPN before you use hotel Wi-Fi ensures you’re protected the moment you connect. Here’s the step-by-step process:

1. Sign Up for Surfshark
   Go to the Surfshark website, choose a plan (longer terms are far cheaper per month), and create your account.

2. Download the App
   Install Surfshark on all your travel devices — available for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and browser extensions.

3. Log In and Choose Protocol Settings

   • Default is WireGuard for speed.

   • Switch to OpenVPN if you’re in a country that blocks VPN traffic.

4. Enable Kill Switch
   This feature automatically cuts internet access if the VPN disconnects, preventing unprotected traffic from leaking.

5. Turn On CleanWeb
   Activates Surfshark’s built-in ad, tracker, and malware blocker.

6. Test Before You Travel
   Connect to a few servers at home to confirm your devices connect smoothly and speeds are acceptable.
   
   

Connecting Safely at the Hotel

When you arrive at your hotel:

1. Connect to the hotel Wi-Fi as usual.

2. Open Surfshark and choose a nearby server for the best speed.

3. Wait for the “Connected” confirmation before opening browsers, apps, or email.

4. Keep the VPN running in the background during your stay.
   
   

If you notice slower speeds, try a different server location — Surfshark’s interface makes switching quick.

Bonus Privacy Tips for Hotel Wi-Fi

A VPN like Surfshark covers most of your security needs, but combining it with a few extra habits makes you even safer:

• Avoid logging into sensitive accounts on shared or public computers.

• Disable file sharing and AirDrop when on public networks.

• Use HTTPS websites whenever possible.

• Log out of accounts after use, especially on borrowed devices.

Common Questions About VPN Use in Hotels

Q: Will the hotel know I’m using a VPN?
A: They may see that you’re connected to a VPN server, but not the websites or services you’re accessing. Surfshark’s Camouflage Mode can make your traffic blend in even more.

Q: Can a VPN bypass hotel Wi-Fi restrictions?
A: Yes — if the network blocks certain sites or streaming platforms, Surfshark can usually route around those limits.

Q: Will a VPN slow my connection?
A: All VPNs add some overhead, but Surfshark’s WireGuard protocol is optimized for speed, minimizing any drop.

Final Word

Hotel Wi-Fi is a convenience you should never trust blindly. With Surfshark running, you encrypt your traffic, mask your identity, and keep snoops at bay — all while enjoying fast, reliable access to the internet from anywhere in the world.

If you travel often and want a VPN that balances security, speed, and affordability, Surfshark remains one of the smartest choices for turning risky hotel networks into safe gateways.