As most you know, WiFi is the in thing and there are a ton of coffeeshops, hotels, and even parks that offer free WiFi. I ran across this article though that shows that not everyone is on top of the free WiFi trend. I agree, they get props for even offering wireless internet at their hotels, but you have to be uber-rich to even think about paying for some of these…

Marriott Flagship: Once again, the Marriott Flagship makes the worst list, partly because of inconsistency across the Marriott brands (Residence Inn, Courtyard and others offer free WiFi) and partly because you need a Ph.D to comprehend the Internet policies at some of their flagship hotels. First off, there’s no free wifi. You can pay $9.99 for 24 hours in the lobby only. Or you choose to do a T-Mobile Hotspot option but $6.99 a minute roam charges apply. In the rooms, you can pay $9.95 for tethered ethernet access which will include any phone calls, local and long distance, that you make. Or you can head down to the business center and get free WiFi on the few computers offered there but will have to wait your turn and then have the next person in line breathe down your neck while you check your email.

Uh… what?

Others on the list are hotels such as the “W” (which Neill and I stayed at in Chicago), the Kor Hotel Group (I’ve never heard of them either), the Four Seasons and the Hyatt. Maybe they charge a lot because the people who stay there can afford to pay $20/minute for internet. I think I’ll just stick with my Comfort Suites.

The best one though, was this place in London… check out this quote:

I’m sat in the Guardian Changing Media Summit, at the Victoria Park Plaza hotel in London, and the wifi is priced as above. Staying in the hotel, it’s £15 for 24 hours. But if you’re down here in the conference room, it’s £10 for 30 minutes. That’s £480 for 24 hours. I believe that’s the hotel equivalent of “Hi! Fuck you!”

Just so you know, that equivalent in US Dollars is £15=$26. £10=$17. and £480=$836. $836!!! Can you believe it?!?! You gotta really want internet to pay that kind of money!!