While many midscale and budget hotels seem to have heard the message loud and clear regarding guest expectations when it comes to internet access, upscale brands seem to continue rolling out increasingly puzzling initiatives. In our first article on the matter, we gave praise where it was due and questioned the policies of others.

Recently, one of the more questionable strategies to date was unveiled by Starwood and Microsoft, related to the new “Link @ Sheraton” program. Apparently the service will feature a signature communications hub located in the lobby to be called “The Link @ Sheraton experienced with Microsoft.” The experience will “include a unique virtual and physical lobby lounge space that will enable guests to work, relax and remain connected with friends and family during their travels…”

What they don’t tell you in their press releases, (and I’m only speculating here), is that you will need a room number and a passcode generated by some system in the front office to login. Further, I expect that this code will only last for a defined period of time before it shuts down, you lose the email you’re writing and have to go back and get another (stupid) code!

Oh, and since it is co-branded with Microsoft, you better not be using Firefox as your default browser! I am also glad that many of the computers in the lobby will feature webcams, because I look forward to holding important business video conference calls with tourists milling around in the background.

So for all us road warriors, and internet users everywhere (which is just about everyone), here are a couple messages that need to be communicated to hotel companies the world over:

1. PEOPLE DON’T WANT TO SIT IN THE LOBBY TO USE THE INTERNET.
2. PEOPLE DON’T WANT TO PAY TO USE THE INTERNET (IN THE ROOM OR OTHERWISE).
3. PEOPLE DON’T WANT TO HAVE TO GET ACCESS CODES TO USE THE INTERNET.
4. PEOPLE DON’T WANT TO HAVE TO PLUG IN TO USE THE INTERNET.
5. SOME COUPLES HAVE A LAPTOP EACH AND WOULD LIKE TO USE THEM AT THE SAME TIME.

Its only a matter of time before the Internet Cafe/Lobby concept gets replaced with a Hotel Lobby experience. We hope there is room in the 2009 Capex budgets to make sure that happens!