thanks all.. tried a few places in GF this morning but nada - it's only the second time it has happened, because most of the time both my Macs connect just fine in all the areas I have sat in GF (both Macbook Pro and the Air which I have with me this morning)

hmmmm. I think someone needs to re-boot the router.

will ask Guest Services again as there is a new lady there...

HL