Originally Posted by
cyberdad
The many posts about HSIA charge increases....and my own personal observations in the hotels....certainly send a clear message about how seriously Marriott is taking the many "requests" for free high speed web access (at least for its best customers).
One would have hoped that this feature could have been folded into the many room rate increases, which have outstripped the rate of inflation....even taking into account the improved bedding, etc.
On the other hand, they're obviously able to get away with milking this particular cash cow. So, as long as this is the case, as a businessman, I can't exactly say that I blame them!
Just like cellphones have largely replaced the use of outrageously-priced hotel phones, I predict the same will happen with wireless internet service. The break-even is just a few nights per month at the increased HSIA rates, and you get service elsewhere to boot.
Were I staying in full-service hotels at this point, that's precisely what I'd do - avoiding the hotel charge and the charge for T-Mobile wi-fi at the airline clubs and several airports.