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High Speed is Just That at the W London Leicester Square

By Darren MakSun, 08/21/2011 - 02:51

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My second impression of the W London is rather quick! After heading to the Living Room (Lobby Lounge) for a coffee while my room was cleaned, I was given a code for the wifi, so I could get caught up on some emails etc while I waited. After about 5 minutes of surfing around, checking out SIM cards in the UK, the Tube Map and other things I should have done before I left on this trip, I realized, that the Internet Connection I had was not your typical slow hotel connection.

Running a quick speedtest, I discovered that the download speed averaged just shy of 25 Mega bits per second, but even more impressive was the upload speeds of over 8 Mbps. Wow!

Now I had another problem, I got everything I needed to do done before my room was ready! I guess there can be problems with having a really quick Internet connection for your guests!

For my first impression, come back to check out my hotel review of the new W London which will be up shortly!

W London Leicester Square Wifi Speedtest

Free In-Room Internet Access - A New SPG Platinum Benefit at Starwood Hotels World-Wide

By Darren MakMon, 02/22/2010 - 14:39

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WifiToday, SPG Platinum Members the world over are rejoicing at news of a new benefit... Free In-Room Internet at more than 940 hotels around the world, starting March 1, 2010.

It has long been a complaint of mine, and thousands of others, that high-end luxury hotels charge for Internet Access, while cheaper, lower-quality hotels often include Internet Access free of charge. The thinking has always been, that the people staying at these properties are either uber-rich or on business expense accounts, and that is why they charge so much for Internet Access, Valet Parking, and in-room telephone calls.

But Starwood Hotels has come through with a benefit for Platinum Elite members (those who stay 25 times or 50 nights a year), with free in-room internet. This is likely in response to Hyatt who offered the same benefit to its top-tier members in 2009, and Fairmont who offers all loyalty program members free internet access.

I know myself, I often take the added cost of Internet into account when booking a room, and have often adjusted my plans to avoid a hotel that doesn't include it or have left the hotel in search of a cafe with free or low hourly rates for Internet access.

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$100 Amazon Gift Card for Two Westin Hotel Stays

By Darren MakSat, 02/20/2010 - 13:53

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Westin Amazon Promotion I am a big fan of Westin Hotel towels and pillows, and after each stay, say to myself that I have to get some for the house. The prices of these items, like most hotel-branded merchandise is usually a little higher than I would pay. However I no longer will have any excuses not to buy them, because there is a new promotion about to begin on February 22nd, which will earn you $100 in amazon gift cards for each two stays at Westin Hotels and Resorts.

Although you can use the gift cards on any Amazon purchase, it looks as though the promotion is timed with the release of Westin Wellness Collection products on Amazon.com.

Stays in Canada and the US at Westin Hotels and Resorts, with arrivals on Sundays to Thursdays, between February 22, 2010 and May 13, 2010 are valid for this promotion. You can earn a maximum of three $100 gift cards during this promotion.

From the Westin Registration Website...

Gift Card claim codes will be emailed within four weeks after your second eligible stay, so you can treat yourself to the Heavenly® pillows, robes or millions of other items at Amazon.com.

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