/ / / /

Has Free WiFi at Thompson Hotels Gone Bye-Bye?

March 2, 2009 at 9:16 AM | by | Comments (5)

Thompson giveth — and then they taketh away. Just as we thought hotel chains were making some major progress on the free WiFi front, it saddens us deeply to report a major setback: The boutique-chic Thompson hotel chain, whose head honcho has spoken up in the past about the importance of free wireless internet, now seems to be charging guests to get online. Oh dear.

During our own stays at Thompson properties, we'd always been impressed with the ease at which we could get online to rave about the WiFi situation; the connection was fast and free and fab. But on a recent stay at the newest Thompson property, Smyth Tribeca, we were charged $10.95 per day of Internet. We did not in any way enjoy this, but we figured it was just a Smyth thing.

But alas, it appears to be spreading across the Thompsons. A tipster writes in:

Just returned from a great weekend at the Thompson LES. Everything that has been posted about the hotel proved correct - great staff, beautiful room, etc. - but they're now charging $10 for the WiFi. Can't complain when they're offering such great rates (booked at Studio King Suite for $150/night!), but just FYI.

Oh noes, say it ain't so; do not regress, Thompson! It should be all about free WiFi in 2K9.

Anyone else been charged for Internet at a Thompson property recently? Let us know.

Hotels mentioned in this story

Comments (5)

Post a Comment

Return to » Has Free WiFi at Thompson Hotels Gone Bye-Bye?


does it work well?

if they are charging now is it reliable internet?
juliana on March 2, 2009 at 9:26 AM #Permalink

Smyth's was.

I remember Smyth's being good, and Thompson LES's being very good -- but Smyth had no Internet at all in the lobby area when I was there.
Jenna on March 2, 2009 at 10:11 AM #Permalink

Get close to the window at Smyth and enjoy free WI

I stayed at Smyth last weekend and was dissapointed Smyth is charging for WIFI. But no worries, get close to the window and you probably find free wifi from some other places in neigboorhood. I had two options from room 604.... And it was very fast!
Archie102 on March 2, 2009 at 3:59 PM #Permalink

6 colombus...

started charging as well when i stayed there in jan. according to front desk, it spans across all their properties. never had problems with connection tho.
stroller on March 2, 2009 at 5:42 PM #Permalink

Should be free...

Wireless internet and local/long distance/international phone calls should be free at all hotels.  It costs virtually nothing - at The Clarendon in Phoenix our international calls, even offered complimentary to all guests, add up to practically nothing.... and our internet is incredibly inexpensive as well, so why charge the guest?   We also provide 8MB download speeds to all guests and don't restrict bandwidth.

Then again, almost everyone uses their mobiles these days - and more and more have aircards.

bbphx on March 3, 2009 at 9:51 PM #Permalink

Return to » Has Free WiFi at Thompson Hotels Gone Bye-Bye?

Join the conversation!

Not a member? .
Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy (Revised 08/01/2011). © Condé Nast Digital. All rights reserved. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Condé Nast Digital.
Ad Choices