High priced hotel Internet service is a complaint of many travelers. As many frequent travelers have learned, the more expensive the hotel, the more expensive the Internet. While hotel chains like Motel Six, Hampton Inns and Days Inn usually offer access for free.
Deluxe hotels in the United States seem to average, in my experience, about $15/day, topping out at about $19.95 a day (plus tax).
In Europe, the exchange rate often makes it higher, but generally prices are in the same ballpark.
(To give credit where credit is due, however, the Radisson chain, which has both first class and deluxe hotels is usually a happy exception, with free internet, along with Sofitel properties. Fairmont hotels provides free internet when you join their frequent guest program.)
For the other extreme, I am nominating the Rome Airport Hilton. My son has been traveling in Europe, and for the last night I booked a discounted, nonrefundable rate for him at the Hilton since he had a 6:20 a.m. flight.
The hotel rates are normally in the mid 300 USD range, but the prepaid rate was closer to $200. So, I expected there would be some charge for internet. I told him using the Internet was fine. He could use it to let us know he had arrived safely and whatever else, since he hasn’t had much internet for a couple weeks.
Got a quick text — the email is €12 AN HOUR, so he wasn’t going to do it. It’s not a serious problem, but I wondered if he was confused so I checked online. Sure enough, that’s the rate.
Apparently, if hotel guests want all-day access the rate is a “modest” €27 (about US$40).
Clearly the hotel, which is the only property at the airport or even within a mile or two, feels that they have a captive market with business travelers. But really, €12 an hour and €27 a day is a bit ridiculous.
Admittedly, the Courtyard by Marriott, a chain that offers free internet in the U.S., charges €12 a day near the Rome Airport, so maybe it’s a local thing.
In any case, if Consumer Traveler readers have stories of other insane hotel internet fees, please add them in comments. For that matter, positive stories about a deluxe hotel that didn’t charge as expected would also be of interest. (I’m all in favor of rewarding good behavior.)
Forewarned is forearmed. At least it will give fellow travelers the ability to vote with their pocketbooks.
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.)
