2014: the year that more and more hotels heard our plea for free WiFi
Submitted by Wanderlust Andi
Hotels must accommodate our new thirst for technology and convenience. For, where would we be without our connectivity - even on our weekend getaways? Because, let's face it - more and more people use WiFi and their laptops and mobiles to find and purchase their travel entertainment, as well as to keep in touch with friends and family - and, for many, to keep work going.
That is why many hotels are opting to promote better customer service by providing free WiFi connections. In fact, almost all the 2 star hotels I have been in (such as the Comfort Inn, Days Inn, and La Quinta) have free WiFi. I will admit that, often, there is not enough bandwidth to stream my favorite shows (Netflix seems to work, though). But, beyond streaming, I have been able to use the WiFi to get my work done.
The times, they are a-changin when it comes to hotel WiFi
Marriott and Starwood hotels, whose rate is often more than two-times the rate of a 2 star hotel, charge more than $10 per day per device for caveat-free WiFi. This can often be more than $30/day, since most people carry an average of 3 WiFi devices. However, in 2014, they at least revised their rules to give free WiFi to their reward card members - only if they booked their reservations directly through the hotels, though.
But, as Bob Dylan sang, "the times, they are a-changin'". Virgin hotels actually says that WiFi is a right - not a revenue stream. Hopefully, in 2015, other hotels will fall in line. For, I would much rather have free WiFi than a free bathrobe.
Read full article here.
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