In early 2005, a Web search turned up 4918 hotels and resorts in the United States alone that hosted wireless Internet services for their guests. Now, virtually every hotel of any size either offers wireless (wi-fi if you prefer) or is planning to do so.
People love connecting via their laptops without wires. They can get comfortable when they work or play on the computer. They're quickly becoming addicted to wireless fidelity (the meaning of "wi-fi") hotspots.
Business travelers must stay connected with demanding bosses. Even vacationers, who have spent two week's salary to "get away from it all," hunger for their hometown newspapers and their email in-boxes.
Enter yet another opportunity to save money on the road.
You see, many hotels felt pressure to "get wired" during the late 1990s. They spent millions of euros, dollars, and pounds putting in connections, and they're ready to be repaid handsomely for that investment.
They also gambled that many people would rather surf in the privacy of their hotel rooms than wander a strange city in search of Internet cafes. Captive audiences pay hefty sums for simple services.
For some, the gamble might have paid off, but only for a short time. Preparing a room for wi-fi costs about half the price of wiring it for conventional Internet. Wi-fi is in higher demand, too.
Once your machine is enabled for wi-fi, what will you be charged for access? Sometimes it's free, but other times, you'll pay a hefty fee.
Click "next" to see what some of your fellow travelers are paying.
