This is 2012! All hotels should have free Internet access. Who lives with no Internet these days? How about paying $9.95 to $14.95 for a few hours of usage? Some hotels even limit it to one laptop for $9.95 and you have pay extra for the next laptop.
Right off the bat, Almafi Chicago Hotel got my attention with their free Internet and easy access. None of those "connect here and there" kind of procedures to get online.
Along with free Internet, the hotel also offers complimentary continental breakfast. The breakfast bar is laid out on each of the floors and guests have unlimited access to the breakfast bar. From freshly brewed gourmet coffee, tea, orange juice, water to croissant, bagel, bread, muffins, cheese and a variety of fruits.
You don’t have to choose where to sit and when to head out for breakfast. Just come in your PJs and choose your breakfast and enjoy them in your room. Breakfast is served from 6:30-9:30 am from Monday to Friday and from 7:00 -10:30 am on Saturdays and Sundays.
In the evening, head to Ravello Lounge on the 6th floor for complimentary drinks and Italian hors d’oeuvres. A drink with cheese and a variety of hors d’oeuvres could easily cost you $30 including tips if you were to pay for it. We love the mural of the Amalfi coast of Italy with mock fireplace in the lounge. The lounge is open from 5:30-7:00 pm. I tried their signature drink called Amalfitini made with Limoncello.
Not to mention, if you need to bring Fido, you can always ask for the second floor of the hotel where pets are welcomed. The hotel hires a third party pet sitting company to walk your dogs while you are working or visiting Chicago. There are doggie beds, doggie bowls, treats, toys and pet shampoo. Now you have no excuse to leave your pet behind.
Amalfi Chicago hotel has all the great features of a boutique hotel but nothing beats free Internet access. How much can one eat for breakfast or has time for breakfast if they need to catch an early flight? Most of us are not available to get a complimentary drink in the evening. How many of us actually travel with our pets when we are going on a business or a short trip to Chicago?
According to a recent report done by J.D. Power and Associates 2012 North America Hotel Guest Satisfaction Index Study released on July 25, 2012:
"When guests learn they have to pay for Internet or when connection speeds are slow at a hotel, they are much more dissatisfied than they were in the past"
The study also found that 55 percent of hotel guests use Internet during their hotel stay, which is a 20 percent increase from 2006. Complimentary Internet access is more likely included at mid-scale limited service, mid-scale full service, upscale, and economy/budget hotels.
Would you rather be in a hotel with free Internet access and serves free coffee and a croissant or pay for your Internet access and have an abundance of food for breakfast? Which is better?
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{ 15 comments… read them below or add one }
Another great article Claudia. As I read it I thought about your last one where you talked about blog journalists not getting their just due in the travel industry. Here is an article with great insider information that would certainly benefit the hotel you’re writing about here. I learn something every week from your blog that I never would have known otherwise.
Thanks Ron for your compliment. I highly recommend Amalfi for location, free Internet, breakfast and free drinks
Great article Claudia, I find sometimes that the “smaller” hotels give better service concerning the internet or a fridge in the room or other things. It feels sometimes that the bigger hotels want to you to pay for every little thing which can be very annoying; glad you found an upscale hotel that has to offer great service. Thanks
Wow… sounds like an awesome hotel! I definitely would want internet access if on a business trip. However, I do like food, too… especially enough of a variety that I could find something to eat on my gluten-free diet. That makes a huge difference about where I go and what I eat!
You’ve made this hotel sound so fabulous and inviting, Claudia! The should give you a discount, at least, for writing up such a wonderful PR article!
I’ve never been in a customer-oriented hotel with such attention to service and details. I love the part about a whole floor for pets!
Great article!
great blog… all of your writtings make me want to take a vacation!
Penny, that’s a compliment, thanks!
Great article! This hotel sounds fabulous! I love that it is pet friendly. Please tell Chicago “Hello” for me…I was born and raised just outside the city.
Like your post!
Pet friendly and free wifi. Know now where to stay next time in Chicago.
Claudia, do I have to chose between food and the internet? I have not stayed in upscale hotels much lately but when we are on road trips staying in travel hotels such as Hampton Inn, internet is always free and unlimited plus they have hot breakfasts available. Many even have cookies for bedtime snack. Sounds like you have found a great one in Chicago… I must remember that for when I am there. Thanks for a great suggestion.
Personally, I prefer free internet access, in fact, I get ticked if I find out I’m paying $100+ a night (or even slightly under) and they have no internet access!!! How can cheap hotels like Holiday Inn offer free wifi but hotels like the Hilton refuse? I place that hotel on my DO NOT book unless-all-else-fails list.
Anyway, I really enjoyed this post and I loved your interview on ARC Copywriter Interviews… although, we met at Sandi’s Dallas event, I never knew your story until now. Awesome, inspiring and moving!
Thanks for being you.
Melodee
My family has decided that free internet access is one of the most important things that a hotel or villa should offer. In fact, we have decided that it there is no free wi-fi, then we will not go there. Both my husband and myself run our own businesses and when we travel we still need to be on line to answer our emails and deal with our businesses wherever we are in the world.
The Amalfi Chicago Hotel clearly has identified that free wi-fi is of paramount importance to today’s traveller – a clever move! Let’s hope the rest of the world realises that free wi-fi will attract customers and give them more business overall and charging guests by the hour will only annoy and frustrate them.
Jill, just visited your website. I love what you do.The Amalfi Chicago Hotel makes it very easy for travellers who needs to stay in touch and do not watch TV.
Yes, I hate to say it, but it is annoying not to have internet.
Which is one reason I felt so disconnected in the caribbean. When will wifi become standard in the Caribbean?
I love the idea of having a bfast bar on each floor!
Having a “dog floor” & walking services is a good idea!
RE: Caribbean: In the upper end & AI hotels that is.