In last week’s blog, we discussed online reviews and the top 8 things guests complain about. Topping the list as the #1 complaint from hotel guests was extra costs for internet access. We’ve all heard lately that free Wi-Fi has become an expectation for guests when staying at your property. But someone has taken it to the next level by creating a new website that serves the purpose of “shaming” hotels for their costly or slow Wi-Fi.
Guests and travelers can now head to www.hotelwifitest.com to see how your hotels Wi-Fi speeds compare to that of other hotels. Once your property’s internet connection has been tested through the site, you’re forever listed on the website with an “expected speed” in megabytes per second (mbps). But the fun doesn’t stop there; alongside your property’s expected Wi-Fi speed lists your room rates and online reviews courtesy of Hotels.com. If that isn’t enough, the results can also be shared to Social Media so people can tell all their friends how awesome or terrible your property’s internet is. For those traveling on business, a strong internet connection can make or break a guest’s stay. Business travelers are known for repeat business so this website can be very damaging to hotels which rely on this type of customer.
The website does suggest that most hotels offer free Wi-Fi, but many also still charge for access. A survey released by Telegraph Travel suggests over 90% of European hotels currently offer free Wi-Fi access. Free internet access alone is no longer enough, as the website reads, “Nothing could be more disheartening than turning on your laptop, only to realize that the hotel’s Wi-Fi is so slow it will take four hours to view the thirty-minute video.” Now imagine that thirty-minute video is part of a business traveler’s presentation that he has to give that afternoon? Needless to say, he won’t be back.
While the chatter of guests expecting free Wi-Fi seems like it just started last week, at the rate technology progresses it’s no surprise they’re already expecting more. Free Wi-Fi is great, but now it’s only as good as your connectivity.
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Colorado Hotel and Lodging Association Blog 