This new world of wireless surfing brings with it a list of fees and other variants. Before you spend, consider some strategies:
Search out Internet Cafes
We'll start with advice many people will find "old hat." Millions of travelers have sought out Internet access at cafes, bookstores, and other businesses and paid reasonable prices for the services. These stops continue to work well for all but the serious business traveler. If all you need is a quick look at your email and some brief browsing, it is foolish to lug your laptop.
Find Wi-Fi Hotspots on the Hotel Property
In some places, the same hotel that will charge you for in-room wi-fi offers it free in their common areas (lobby, meeting rooms, restaurants, etc.) They're counting on your need for quiet and privacy to bring in added money. Don't pay for that privilege unless it's important to you. Make the distinction, set up shop in a quiet corner of the lobby (if such a thing still exists) and click away.
Factor Internet Fees into Shopping Strategy
If Hotel "A" is offering free access but a slightly higher room rate, it might be cheaper overall than hotel "B" with a lower room rate and a hefty charges for Internet access. It pays to ask.
Map Out Wi-Fi Hotspots as You Plan Your Trip
Did you know many McDonalds restaurants in Paris are wi-fi hotspots? Hundreds of airports are now connected, too. More and more restaurant chains are offering this service (Panera Bread is an example). Check the Web sites pertinent to your destination, because this is quickly becoming among the most advertised (some might say hyped) services.
Look for Wi-Fi in Modest to Moderate Hotel Chains
Hotel Chatter offers up its annual "best hotel awards" for wi-fi availability. Among the winners in 2007 were Marriott, Omni and Holiday Inn Express. In June 2007, Staybridge Suites announced free wireless anywhere on their properties, and claimed to be the first upscale extended-stay chain to do so.
