Hyatt Regency @ O'Hare International Airport, Chicago

When did I stay there: July 2007

The Hyatt Regency at O'Hare International Airport in Chicago, IL, USA does NOT have free internet of any type. The wifi/wireless they do have is through T-Mobile Hotspot and it's $9.95 for 24 hours.

No unaffiliated open wireless access points were detectable.

I couldn't even get a cell phone signal from Verizon in some parts of the hotel!

Backwards cheapskates.

Always Free: Hampton Inn

Hilton-owned Hampton Inn is my favorite hotel brand by far. Why? They offer free breakfasts* in the morning and ALL their locations have free wireless/wifi internet along with one ethernet jack (also free) in each room. Sure the internet might not be blazing fast, but it's broadband, it's wireless (everyone in the room can connect) and I'm not complaining.

* Breakfasts are typical continental (yogurt, cereal, juice, fruit, fruit salad) but there's at least one hot food item too.

Introduction

It's very simple. I HATE hotels that make you pay for internet access and I'm not alone. $9.95/night? Give me a break! In today's day and age, internet access should be free-it's not like the hotel isn't paying for internet access already. As a self-admitted geek, I get more pissed at hotels that charge for their internet than hotels that don't offer internet at all.

As I go on vacation and stay in hotels, I'll be listing whether they have internet (ethernet or wifi) access for free... or not. I'll also post about any other travel-related free internet access tips.

Feel free to email me with any free internet finds that you stumble across during your travels.