Wireless internet at Holiday Inn US

[arun]

During my US trip, I took my laptop along with a Wireless Network PC card (108 Mbps Netgear WG511T, bought for $90 but now it costs even less). I was not working - it was going to be primarily the the Gaming machine cum DVD player for my son!

At every Holiday Inn I stayed (New York Mid Town, Anaheim at the par0k, Universal Studio) and Sutton Place Hotel at New Port Beach (not a Holiday Inn), they had free wireless access. All you had to do is switch on the laptop select the Network and here you go. At some hotels. had to call and get a user name and password.

Of course it may not have been very secure. But it was very useful in changing my hotel bookings, searching for things to see & do, buy the Universal Studio ticket in advance, etc. My son was able to play online games with his friends in Sydney while chatting about the things that he did that day.

But the best part was it was FREE.

[JamesF]

yes its very common here now. Its almost a case of avoiding a hotel if they dont have in-room internet. Its a fantastic feature, especially if your company has a VPN, so you can get to email etc etc.

The crazy thing though, you stay in a $50 HI express room and the internet is free, but if you stay in a $200 Hyatt hotel (or marriott, hilton etc etc), you pay $10 or more a day. Similar with breakfasts. Crazy stuff.

James

[NM]

And if you are staying in an area that has many hotels (eg Anaheim, Orlando, LAX and other airports etc) and your hotel does not have free Wireless internet, sit the laptop near the window and do a scan.

I have managed to avoid paying the $7.95/day at LAX Embassy Suites when given a room that faces the Sheraton Four Points across the road where the WiFi is free! Works well so long as the PC stays near the window.