Every year more people become dependent on wireless hotspots in hotels for online access when they travel. Newer versions of 802.11 have increased the capacity of Wi-Fi networks, and many Internet providers are offering more network bandwidth, but hotel Internet service can still be spotty. Some hotel chains are slow to upgrade their equipment, and the demand for more bandwidth (primarily for watching videos) grows very high when a hotel is busy.
→ See also - How to Connect a Computer to the Internet
The RoadWarriorette suggests paying more for premium hotel Wi-Fi can be a good idea in some cases. Premium or not, hotel Wi-Fi can get expensive fast, and if it isn't working well, the expense is hardly worthwhile. When you travel, do you pay for Wi-Fi Internet service at hotels? Have you stayed at places that are now offering these newer premium tiered Internet plans?
→ See also - Hotel Internet Bandwidth Demand (and Hopefully Capacity) Growing (2009)→ See also - How to Connect a Computer to the Internet
I’m staying at the Crowne Plaza in Wiesbaden, Germany at the moment. Guest rooms have free WiFi but the bandwidth is so limited (1 mb connection, 66 kbs data rate) that web sites time out and IM such as gmail chat and SKYPE are impossible. 10 Euros (about $13 at recent rates) gets you 18 mb and usable speeds for 24 hours, though I got it free when I complained about the basic rate being essentially unusable.
Advertising free WiFi but providing a connection that is unusable is simply a tactic used to nickel and dime guests to death, similar to the airlines.