Free Wi-Fi Top Of Hotel Guests Wish List (10th April, 2012)
For centuries hotels have been thinking of different and novel ways to attract guests. A free this or a complimentary that can be the difference between someone thinking their hotel stay was mediocre or superlative. A new survey reveals that the twenty-first century guest needs free Wi-Fi Internet access to make his or her stay complete. According to Hotels.com, hotel guests much preferred to be connected in their rooms than have the little luxuries such as Italian espresso coffee makers, video game consoles or a gym to work out in. Of 415 people who responded to the website's survey, more than 38% said free Wi-Fi was a must when deciding where to book a room. Just under a third of respondents said they wanted it to be a standard amenity at hotels. Many people are tired of paying the often exorbitant charges to get online.
Taylor L. Cole, director of public relations and social media for Hotels.com, said the results of the survey were as he expected: "Given the explosion of mobile use in the past few years, it is no surprise that travellers are requiring free and fast Wi-Fi," he said. He added that: "Many guests never travel without their tablets, smartphones and laptops. It's as intuitive as packing a toothbrush. Guests use these items in their rooms to plan activities for the next day." Internet these days is seen as an automatic freebie in many parts of the world. Charging for it is like asking guests to pay for water. Countries with a strong focus on attracting business clientele and higher end travellers are leading the way in providing free Wi-Fi. The United Arab Emirates is one destination where it is unlikely that Wi-Fi will be added to your hotel bill. Other countries are quickly following suit.
a)
Did you like reading this article?
b)
Have you ever been frustrated at not getting Wi-Fi access?
c)
Do you always travel with a laptop or other Internet enabled device?
d)
What does "Wi-Fi" mean?
e)
Are there any dangers of using Wi-Fi?
f)
Is paying for Wi-Fi at a hotel the same as paying for water?
g)
Do you think hotels would get more guests if they provided free Wi-Fi?
h)
If hotels charge $10 a day fir Wi-Fi, that's like paying $3,650 a year. What do you think of that?
i)
How has Wi-Fi changed the world?
j)
What questions would you like to ask a hotel owner about free Wi-Fi?
