I can expense this whenever traveling on business. Which I think is the key to why it is charged. If you are self-employed or at a small business, I am guessing that FS Marriotts are out of the question. So, the lower brands offer free Internet to that market segment.

If you are a corporate executive or consultant, then the FS Marriotts are expected, and so is the ability to expense the charge. So, they charge it.

If I am traveling on leisure with my family, I will go to JW or FS Marriott with my points or $. Then, I don't want to even bring my laptop. My blackberry will alert me to any corporate calamities that require my attention.

So, I am not surprised that they charge $9.95 at the FS Marriotts.

I find this thread amusing, as I am sitting in a Hilton now with free internet access. The Marriott down the street charges $9.95 a night (plus $0.50 tax). I am only here because I am tacking on a one-night stay at Hilton for each week of travel the rest of this year to get Gold, hopefully Diamond.

albatross