Maybe it's because I'm working for myself in 2004, and hence travel budget typically comes directly out of my pocket, but someone please tell me why I'm suppose to stay at the Hilton Brand Properties?

I am a die-hard loytal Hilton HHonors member, with 64 nights already in 2004. Not the most in the world, but on the road more than I care to be.

Tonight I am in SDF, and decided to stay at a "Hilton" proper (Seelback Hilton/Louisville) after spending most of 2004 at Hampton Inns, with the occasional Hilton Garden Inn. As I set my laptop up and get situation, and visit the little magical web portal to authorize my Internet access, I am told it will cost me $9.95/nt.

Now, out of the 64 nights above, probably 60 are Hampton Inn and 4 are Hilton Garden Inn. These lower-end properties cost me more than 60% less than am paying tonight. What do I get in exchange for paying twice as much as I have the rest of 2004? Additional charges for the Internet, service charges (in addition to gratuity) for room service, and an all around feeling that I am being nickle and dimed.

Because it's the principle of the thing, I declined and am instead using a Sprint Vision Data Card I own. Maybe the moral of the story is I should be enjoying the city I'm staying at on a Friday night instead of worried about the Internet charges, but to be honest, I'm tired and just want to crash without feeling like I'm getting nickle & dime'd after paying $169/nt for a room.

I think the lesson is I'll stick to the middle and lower end properties. It seems that at the Hampton Inn I can get the same amount of service for half the price. Perhaps the bedding isn't as nice, and maybe they give me an all-in-one shampoo/conditioner instead of separate bottles -- but someone please tell me how they justify another $89/nt just because it says HILTON instead of HAMPTON.

Only partially tongue in cheek,
-jd