why do hotels still charge a lot for net access?

dada44

yeah - thanks. i can see that perspective. internet in one's room requires equipment and updating. however - i do not see it needing to cost £15 for 24hrs, when other hotels in other countries such as Germany and Switzerland, are able to offer such things for free.

I have found that this is often the case with the most expensive hotels - such as the Hilton, Westin, etc. It is usually the mid price or even budget ones sometimes, that offer internet for free. Places like the Hilton may accomodate more business guests, so may feel that they can add it in their price without much complaint. Or, it may be that their building is so large, it requires upkeep. However, given the prices of their rooms being so high, I do think it is about time the internet connection became complimentary, as a tv connection is.

dada44

And my suggestion that this is more for profit, i think is supported by the example I have seen in some mid class hotels - like a particular branch of the Crowne Plaza (not all) - where they offer 2 computers in the lobby for all guests to use - and give a max 15 minute use time, so they don't get clogged up. If wifi and in room internet is so expensive to provide and service, and you wish to remain hospitable to your guests, why not allom them use of a stationary computer, say at a business centre or reception - where the cost of providing and upkeep of such a stationary connection would be negligible.

In the set up I saw - there were about 3 or 4 computers available, all by reception, all free for the guests to use. And it seems everyone got to use one - there were no extraordinary queues. And this was a busy hotel in New York. I've also been to hotels that have a tucked away business centre, with a stationary computer to use there too. Some charge, others don't. There's hardly any wait time for them at all.

penrhyn

The excellent B&B I use in Llandudno has free WiFi for guests, all part of the service from around £35 / night.

brewerdave

penrhyn wrote: »

The excellent B&B I use in Llandudno has free WiFi for guests, all part of the service from around £35 / night.

But security is frequently not that good on such set ups ....I recently stayed in a small lodge with free wifi - could actually see the contents of the admin. hard drives in My Networks because they were set up for sharing across the network!!! :eek:

withabix

The hotels who charge don't provide the service themselves - it is provided by an outside company.

You have a choice - you can pay, use a dongle or stay at a different hotel.

Nobody is forcing you to use hotel internet.

You don't expect telephone calls to be free, so why should internet be free?

SALOPMAN

Its like everything else in UK its a rip off, if people pay it they'll charge for it!! go where its free !!

visidigi

....because they can.

I remember staying in a Hilton at CDG in Paris a few years back, went to check out to find a wifi charge on my bill, disputed it and was told to speak to swisscom, the company running it. They EVENTUALLY decided they would cancel the charge, they were adament I had used it for an additional session, which I was very clear I had not.

Turned out the guys on the same business trip had logged in with my room number and surname on their laptop for a laugh...so all those pointing to the security, its not THAT secure when all you need is a room number and name...

boxst

It will eventually become free. It tends to be more business hotels that charge as people (like me) will just put it on their expenses. Having said that, I do try to look for hotels with free internet as I do not think it is fair to pay £15 to access the internet.

I go to America quite a lot and it is the same there: Marriot Residence Inn next to to a Marriot. Residence Inn is free and standard Marriot is $18/24 hours.

rob_wiltshire

shandoli wrote: »

good read

http://www.amazon.com/Why-Popcorn-Costs-Much-Movies/dp/0387769994

Thanks for the recommendation shandoli! :T As a result of your post I ordered a (brand new) copy off eBay at a fraction of the Amazon price.

It only arrived yesterday but, from a quick flick through, it looks like it will be an interesting and enjoyable read. Once I've finished I'll also pass it to my son who is currently doing an Economics degree as I think he'll probably find it interesting too.

Cheers! :beer: