More Than Points

I’m slightly spoiled with my ubiquitous wireless access thanks to my EVDO connection. If you haven’t jumped on the EVDO train and you travel every week, I suggest you bring it up in the next company meeting. Sitting in the airport waiting for your plane to arrive doesn’t have quite the same sting if you can busy yourself with news, sports, YouTube, email, and everything else available with a wireless connection.

For those of you without EVDO connections, HotelChatter just completed their assessment of the best hotel chains of 2007 for free WiFi.

It looks like Marriott came ahead thanks to the free WiFi offered in their less expensive properties (Courtyard, Residence Inn, etc.). Personally, I’d rather have a nice bed than free wireless. Marriott is obviously targeting a different customer segment with their free WiFi. The only other properties I recognized as possibilities for the business traveler, besides the Marriott, were The W and The Omni and their free WiFi was limited to the lobby areas. That really just narrows it down to the Marriott low end properties for business travelers. If you’re staying at the W or the Omni and you’re on a business trip – you’re not likely traveling on a weekly basis and paying $9.95 / night isn’t really a big expense.

As a Marriott Platinum Member, I usually enjoy free internet access regardless of the Marriott. I’m sure most memberships programs offer the same benefits at the top levels.

Still, having a high-speed wireless connection at your disposal can’t be a bad thing so check it out.