Of all the fees that drive frequent travelers crazy, Internet access charges have got to be one of the most annoying.
Yes, I realize that hotels have to make money now that most travelers have cellphones and don’t use their expensive in-room phones.
But internet access, in major areas, is something that costs hotels very little. In fact, discount roadside places that Janet Leigh might have turned down in favor of the Bates motel offer the service for free.
Instead of a token access fee, most four and five star properties charge daily rates from $10 a day and up, with additional charges for multiple computer families.
Now for technology buffs, there are some ways around this, and some chains do give free internet to frequent guests. But a stay at the Marriott World resort complex near Disney World really brought the absurdity of Internet connection fees home.
The complex includes a hotel, and villa time share units that also rent by the night.
At the hotel, Internet access is $14.95 a day, plus tax. Per computer. At one of the villas, rented by the night, not as a time-share owner, the same access is free. Plus, multiple computers are included. For that matter, parking is free by the villas. (Note: Unscrupulous hotel guests could park by the villas and walk 5-10 minutes to the hotel proper. Though, I am not encouraging that deception.)
I do understand, hotels need to make a profit. But for something like Internet, which costs nothing in extra labor costs, why not simply include the cost in the rates?
At the Marriott World Complex, whatever the Internet costs are, they can’t cost more at the one or two-bedroom villas, than in the rooms.
For that matter, Marriott’s lower priced properties — Courtyard, Fairfield Inn, Residence Inn, TownePlace Suites, and SpringHill Suites, all include Internet for free.
It’s not only Marriott. Other upscale properties do the same nickel-and-dime routine. The Essex House in New York, in fact, offers a free overnight shoeshine and still charges for an Internet connection to use your laptop.
Business travelers, if they don’t have work-arounds, can expense the cost for staying connected, so it may not affect them as much personally.
But for vacation travelers who pay their own way, and may have splurged for an especially nice place, it can be a major expense in a week’s vacation. (Especially for multiple computer families.)
It’s time for hotels to go the path of Starbucks, McDonalds and most airports these days and give guests free wi-fi access.
Which major chain is going to be the first?
Janice Hough is a California-based travel agent a travel blogger and a part-time comedy writer. A frequent flier herself, she’s been doing battle with airlines, hotels, and other travel companies for over three decades. Besides writing for Travelers United, Janice has a humor blog at Leftcoastsportsbabe.com (Warning, the political and sports humor therein does not represent the views of anyone but herself.)
