Dude where's my car/ Holiday Inn and Wifi.

[J57ltr]

So I travel a lot. This year alone I have been on 16 trips (including this one to ATL). I rent a lot of cars and sometimes I'm a space cadet and don't exactly remember what I rented or at least what color it is so I every once in a while, while trying to get a part, tool or something I need to fix something I inadvertently forget where I park while thinking about what I need or what I am forgetting and just kinda space out what car I'm actually driving or at least the color of the car. This usually sends me walking around setting off the panic button to figure out where it is. This is more funny than a rant. With the keys I at least know what make it is, but a lot of times the color, LP and model may be missing. Most of the time I'm focused on the job and not the car I'm driving.

Rant:

I have been a member of Holiday Inns rewards program for about 17 years or so and have amassed enough points to stay anywhere I want for about 3 weeks. Never use them because I rarely take enough vacation to go anywhere. Usually end up burning it before it runs out (sometimes after, because busy) we are pretty layed back at my job, but even when I do take vacation someone calls to let me know something is broke and they need it fixed, and it's usually the Mill or Lathe or one of the TIG machines and I have end up pushing back my vacation to get them up and running again. No wonder I never go anywhere. But EVERY time I stay at a Holiday Inn it's the same damn thing.'internet is slow or drops me or doesn't reach my room for some reason. They always want to "send someone up" to take a look at it. I have a new android phone for work, an IPhone (mine) and a laptop and they always have the same issue. I've been connecting to the Internet since dialup and when a .gif file was just a picture. Sure send someone up. They never have an explanation and want to blame the gear. Seriously? 3 totally different devices with the same problem? Give me a break. My other favorite is "we haven't heard anyone else complain." So I ask a guest within earshot if they are having issues with the wifi and they always say yes. Hmmm. I've stayed at other hotels as well and NEVER have this issue, and when I do they are always quick to say we have someone on it. It's like holiday inn is in denial or something. Anyone else have this issue?

Jeff

[HighOctaneRacing]

No but if many people are using the wifi, the router will bog down. They should cough up some green for a high end router or have Ethernet outlets in every room.

[Scottydoggs]

ive been out of range at the holiday inn's. you need a room near the front best most of the time for the best signal.

[bandook]

Ask where their router is and plug in your 100ft Ethernet. Bring extra if you have to run it through the elevator.

[J57ltr]

Lol, I got here before anyone else. I checked in at 2 or so, not a soul in the parking lot. Scotty, I have asked for a room closer to the router (they are usually close the the elevator) even the staff is having problems. Gave me the number to corporate. It's just odd that one of the largest chains in the U.S. Has this problem everywhere. Even connected directly to the Ethernet it's slow. I have to carry a cable to download changes to PLC programs and our controller so I have a couple cables and a switch. When I set the phone down it automatically logs out then I have to log back in. Always. Hampton Inn doesn't do that, Spring Hill Suites doesn't, Ramada, he'll even super 8, Days Inn and Microtel I don't have issues. They are going to move me tomorrow anyway so we will see how that goes. I'm only about 7 doors from the elevator so we'll see.


Jeff

[CrazyGuy03]

i always thought it was odd when I see the wifi price cards on my tables in the room. I never remembered having to pay for wifi. I would just click the available connection and accept user policy if there is one.
I also remember reading how some hotels got into trouble with the FCC by trying to block customers from wifi unless they paid, which is why charging for it still seems odd when anyone can sign into it.
Matter of fact, before smart phones, I used to travel with my laptop. Whenever I had to "google" something from directions or attractions, I would pull into any hotel parking lot and catch the wifi.

[J57ltr]

The funny thing is I have been sitting in the airport (ATL) since 8am listening to Pandora, surfing the net, Facebook, playing games and have yet to get kicked off. ATL is the busiest airport in the U.S. And doesn't have any issues, but Holiday Inn is just horrible.

the only place I have ever had to pay for Internet was Ramada at one of the airports I was stuck at somewhere.

just a little tip. If you ever get bumped or they offer a travel voucher, don't do it it's a trick! If you do get stuck out make them give you at least 2 meal vouchers for each meal, or make it double what they are going to give you. You can barely get a drink for what they give you, and I mean a soda, coke, pop or whatever they call it in your region.

Jeff

[bandook]

Did you just call a pop a ....soda? Wtf, soda is what I sprinkle on the carpet when my dog pisses on it.

Sorry, can't resist.

[J57ltr]

Lol, depends on where you are. In Texas everything is coke.

it goes like this: what would you like to drink?

a coke


what kind?

Dr. pepper

Jeff

[bandook]

Only coke we have here is vomit in a red can, and the stuff you bump off your pinky nail.

[J57ltr]

Lol, not fond of either.

[bandook]

Lol, depends on where you are. In Texas everything is coke.

it goes like this: what would you like to drink?

a coke


what kind?

Dr. pepper

Jeff

Strange. Is it the same for cereal.

"I want some Cheerios"
"What kind"
"Fruity Pebbles"
Lol

[J57ltr]

No only cokes.

[GotMelon]

for finding the car why don't you use one of the many apps you can download click save when you park on your phone and then you get a blip on the map of where it is. that's how i did the hot rod power tour a few years

[J57ltr]

I've used one before and it at least got me to the side of the mall I came in, but still had to walk 2 rows setting off the panic to find it. Then you have to remember to use it...