Since we got mobile phones, I've paid no attention to charges for local calls - one more reason I love my mobile. But if the 800-call charge is back in force, we are NOT amused. I don't mind hotels covering the costs of new equipement, etc., but I do resent having them turn such things into profit centers.

In our experience, Hiltons give you 800 access free for the first hour at least. I can understand why they felt they needed to try to limit the amount of time people were tying up their phone lines surfing the Net. So far, we've manage to get on-line, check what we need, and have never gotten a charge at a Hilton. But 20 minutes? That's ridiculous.

Marriott used to be the best hotel chain in the Frequent Travel game, but they're hardly even keeping up these days.