Comments on: Stuck on stupid

By: RonF

RonF — Wed, 15 Nov 2006 19:47:46 +0000

I run a monthly training meeting for my local Boy Scout Council. We use a meeting room in McDonald’s Corporation’s Hamburger University in Oakbroook, IL that is run by the Hilton chain. I wanted to show everyone how to use an on-line facility that the BSA has created to register your kids and adults once a year. They have hookups in the room, so I called to ask how to get it turned on. Turns out it would have cost me over $400 for an hour’s use of that hookup. I’ve got no money for that!

By: AFSister

AFSister — Wed, 15 Nov 2006 17:44:20 +0000

I stayed at a hotel this past weekend. 15 min of ‘net time for $6.00 in the lobby. What I didn’t realize is that I could have paid $10 for 24 HOURS of access in my room. The ‘net connection in the room was hidden. Sort of. The entire TV was a computer screen; the tv remote turned it on and had a few basic functions, and the wireless keyboard was hidden in a drawer. I have to admit, it was damn cool.

By: John S

John S — Wed, 15 Nov 2006 03:27:06 +0000

Amen! I am still ticked about the O’Brien’s idiocy! They still don’t get it at HQ. They also don’t get my money, which I remind them every time they send me “good deal” propaganda. WIFI access should be free, and I hate to spring for $9.95 a day for access, let alone $175- that’s just horribly greedy.

By: AW1 Tim

AW1 Tim — Wed, 15 Nov 2006 02:34:29 +0000

Shipmates,

Well, I don’t travel anywhere neat as much as some of the business folks do, but I DO head afield 12-15 times a year. I used to have a Hilton Honors card, and was looking to rack up points. Then came the Fran O’Briens affair. I scrapped my card, called the number they gave me and explained why I was doing that. I also emailed the same department, as well as CC’d the Presiden’t office, and the director of public relations.

Now, whenever I and have to stay somewhere, I make it a point to email those same folks and let them know where I stayed and why, and how much business they have lost (I keep a running total for their perusal).

Yeah, it’s not that much, but it’s MY money, and they sure won’t be getting a dime of mine anymore. I’ve also been able to recruit a few friends into the same sort of thing. Staying at anyplace OTHER than the Hilton, and letting those in charge know why.

Respects,

By: Kris, in New England

Kris, in New England — Wed, 15 Nov 2006 02:12:14 +0000

Come to think of it, I just did a one day offsite meeting plan for my management team. Large room, A/V equipment, breakfast & dinner for 21 people. Total cost: $1,850.

By: Kris, in New England

Kris, in New England — Wed, 15 Nov 2006 02:11:03 +0000

Considering that the Hilton was probably charging someone a hefty sum just for use of the room AND they probably receive hefty discounts from their Internet provider – it’s beyond greed. Add onto this the cost of food for 11 people at a Hilton for a one day meeting. Locally, at a new Marriott, we’ve paid as much as $5,000 for a one day meeting (large scale but still…).

It’s ridiculous on the part of Hilton. But then again, look who we’re talking about.