7 Feb 2015

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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Hotels - a personal perspective

Submitted by Wanderlust Andi

This is great overview of ones personal perspective on hotels. With very informative information, it gives you thought and ideas on what makes a hotel good, great or just down right wrong. If you are an avid traveler, I highly recommend this article. The author also gives some recommendations with a list of hotels from personal experience that are worth while to check out to make decision making easier.

9 Nov 2014

Hilton introduces smartphone features

Submitted by Wanderlust Andi

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19 Oct 2014

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19 Oct 2014

What hi-tech hotel equipment do you want?

Submitted by Wanderlust Andi

Hotels are constantly looking for new ways to entice travelers, and the latest development appears to be rooms with hi-tech options for those with a multitude of digital tastes. Business travelers in particular seem to lean toward rooms loaded with new technology, including super-charged remote controls and personal iPads that serve as a digital concierge for guests.

15 Oct 2014

Do you tip housekeeping when you are at a hotel? And, if so, how much?

There was a poll done a couple years ago that concluded that if you don't tip, you are one of the 39% of travelers that don't tip. If you do tip, you belong to the 23% minority that always tips. I believe that most people just are not aware that they should tip housekeeping.