Do most hotels offer free internet?

[Kelemvor]

Do most hotels offer free internet these days? I thought they did. I know some charge to use Wireless because they have that going through a separate company sometimes but most places have at least a LAN jack in the room to use for free don't they?

Maybe I'm just spoiled but the last few places I've stayed have had that.

Reason I'm asking is we're going to Chicago tomorrow and staying at the Hyatt and they don't have free internet. They charge $15 for 24 hours whether I plug in or go wireless. What a rip off.

I sent them a nasty email letting them know what I thought but I'm sure it won't do any good. Anyway, just thought maybe I was way off base...

What have your recent experiences been? Any thoughts?

 

[FoBoT]

the high end places charge, the mid to lower ones that have it are free and the roach motels won't have it

 

[PowerEngineer]

Originally posted by: FoBoT
the high end places charge, the mid to lower ones that have it are free and the roach motels won't have it

That seems to be true. Oftern times, however, the hotels that charge for internet in the room have free wireless access in the lobby.

 

[Atrail]

Originally posted by: FoBoT
the high end places charge, the mid to lower ones that have it are free and the roach motels won't have it

agreed

 

[SarcasticDwarf]

Originally posted by: PowerEngineer

Originally posted by: FoBoT
the high end places charge, the mid to lower ones that have it are free and the roach motels won't have it

That seems to be true. Oftern times, however, the hotels that charge for internet in the room have free wireless access in the lobby.

Yup, this is mainly because it is mostly business travelers at the higher-end hotels who simply expense it.

 

[dartworth]

I'm sure you'll find an open hotspot being downtown...in NYC I could see 30-40 at all times...

 

[chrisms]

Originally posted by: dartworth
I'm sure you'll find an open hotspot being downtown...in NYC I could see 30-40 at all times...

Haha.. I wonder what happens to an unsecured wireless connection in NYC!

 

[alimoalem]

Originally posted by: PowerEngineer
Oftern times, however, the hotels that charge for internet in the room have free wireless access in the lobby.

i disagree. i don't generally use a hotel's internet but the last time i went to one, the lobby charged for internet

 

[novasatori]

Originally posted by: FoBoT
the high end places charge, the mid to lower ones that have it are free and the roach motels won't have it

I make the trip from OK to CA on 40 a few times a year, and almost every single motel i stop at have free wireless internet.

 

[SoulAssassin]

Originally posted by: FoBoT
the high end places charge, the mid to lower ones that have it are free and the roach motels won't have it

This is pretty much how it is. I'm a Hilton Diamond member and travel for work almost every week so I book 200+ nights a year. The lower end Hampton Inn always has free internet, while the Doubletree, Embassy Suites and Hilton charge usually $10/day. I do expense it so it doesn't matter to me but frankly, I'd rather have the room just cost $10 more to save me having to expense the additional line item but that's just me.

 

[SSSnail]

Most hotels don't offer free internet services, may be a few hours access a day. The ones that do, already charge you an arm and a leg for room fees. If you stay with a hotel enough, or have corporate rates, then you may get some inclusive deals.