What to Look For in a Hotel WiFi Connection
Increasingly, hotels that provide high-speed Internet connections are top choices not only for business people, but for hotel-goers in general. These hotels allow guests to have Internet access even when they are on vacation. Even better, are hotels that provide wi-fi (wireless fidelity) connections, as these allow guests to plug in their own laptops and notebooks. Wi-fi connections are very convenient additions to hotels and they provide hotels with a considerable advantage over competitors.
When researching hotel wi-fi, there are at least three things to keep in mind:
- Cost - many of the most competitive hotels now offer free wi-fi. You shouldn’t have to pay very much extra, if anything, to surf the Internet at hotels nowadays. However, some hotels do continue to charge exorbitant rates for Internet access.
- Customer Service - as with any Internet connection, there will be times when the service will not be up to par. Does the hotel provide excellent technical assistance when necessary? Do they provide things like ethernet cables if needed?
- Connection Location - do the guest rooms provide wi-fi access, and if not, do they at least provide access to high-speed Internet access? Surfing the Internet in the lobby is certainly a convenience, but being able to do so in the privacy of your own hotel room is a luxury you should take advantage of whenever possible.
The following hotel chains are reported to be at the top of the hotel wi-fi list.
Hotel Wi-Fi - Klimpton properties
Klimpton hotels are located all over the world, and all of them reportedly have wi-fi connections in their lobbies. Even better, the wireless connections are reported to be free, and some of the hotels offer wi-fi connections in hotel rooms as well.
Hotel Wi-Fi - Omni properties
Omni hotels offer free wireless connections in all of their lobbies and the majority of the guest rooms.
Hotel Wi-Fi - Marriott Residence Inn properties
Free wi-fi is provided in the lobby, although not in all the hotel rooms. Fast Internet connections are in all the rooms, however.
Hotel Wi-Fi - Best Western properties
Free wireless access is provided in all lobbies and free access in all hotel rooms.
Hotel Wi-Fi - Holiday Inn/Holiday Inn Express properties
The majority of these hotels have free wireless access in the lobbies, and a version of free broadband in the guest rooms. The Internet is not quite as easily accessed in these hotels as the previous four, but it is free.
Hotel wi-fi connections are beginning to become more common. Be sure to do your homework before choosing a hotel that claims to offer a fast Internet connection.
