Marriott Touts Free Broadband
A lot of noise on the web today about Marriott hotels’ plan to offer broadband for free in their cheaper hotels, namely Courtyard, Residence Inn, TownePlace Suites and SpringHill Suites. Meanwhile, at the higher end hotels, Marriott and Renaissance, they will continue to charge for broadband in a package that includes free local and long distance calling for $10. The problem is, most people on the web are reporting that Marriott is offering free WiFi, but I can’t find any evidence of this, as the press release seems to focus on wired connections. If anyone can clear up whether WiFi is included, please comment below. Either way, broadband at hotels is becoming increasingly important to attract and retain business travelers, most of whom pay rack rates rooms and sport laptops. Free attracts them even more. I refuse to stay at a US hotel that has no broadband, and call ahead to confirm.
