HotelChatter's Annual Hotel Wi-Fi Report 2010 157
Ant writes with this excerpt from an annual review of wireless access for hotel guests: "This year marks HotelChatter's sixth annual hotel Wi-Fi report. Over the years we've documented the progression of hotel Wi-Fi, from blatant disregard, to price-gouging for Wi-Fi access, and reliable Wi-Fi for loyalty program members, through guests taking matters into their own hands with wireless laptop/notebook cards and 3G access. A year ago, we thought guest demand for free, reliable, hotel Wi-Fi might just go away, thanks to 3G, but today, a growing number of hotel guests not only demand the hotel they book have proper wireless access, but most will consider not staying at a hotel that can't meet their basic access needs. That's right, Wi-Fi is a make or break amenity for many hotel guests that can sway booking decisions — and that isn't going away."
Hilton sucks. (Score:5, Interesting)
free internet connectivity is a hotel filter (Score:4, Interesting)
Motel 6 (Score:4, Interesting)
Re:Expensive hotel := bad WIFI, cheap motel := goo (Score:1, Interesting)
The reason many of the big boys don't have free WiFi is that in the early 2000's they signed long term contracts with a provider usually the same one the provides the in-room movies.
I used to work for Hilton and that is what happened at our property when we signed a 10 year contract. The provider came in set-up the equipment and took care of the maintenance and the hotel is charged a fee plus a percentage of WiFi revenue. Even though for the cost of 1 months "service" we could have bought and installed the equipment ourselves
While the little guys just went out bought wireless access points, got a DSL or cable modem and just plugged them in.
Re:Expensive hotel := bad WIFI, cheap motel := goo (Score:2, Interesting)
What makes me wonder then is why such a disparity between hotels rooms and business/first class vs economy flights.
In hotels, it seems like the basic conveniences, as long as they charge you fractionally little enough for it, you won't mind paying in addition to whatever the room cost already was (~10% a day?). However on flights, the more you spend on your ticket, the more they will go out of their way to plant their lips on your butt as far as letting you board first, get cozy, have a free drink, check a bag for free, etc.
I guess the difference is that you're not getting two disparately priced rooms within one building in the case of hotels?
But it's still pretty damn ironic that those you pay more to, try to screw you over more in the hotel industry. Somewhere along the way apparently it seems image and prestige way overtook actual customer satisfaction and service.
Re:Hotels are For Suckers (Score:2, Interesting)
try choice hotels/comfort inns (Score:2, Interesting)
How much did that cost the Renaissance? about $500 for the week....
I haven't stayed at a Mariott in years for the same reason.
Wi-fi is a basic assumption in my hotel choices today. I won't even spend the company's money on this.