Wingate Inns International today announced the introduction of free wireless high-speed Internet access in guest rooms and public areas at its hotels throughout the United States and Canada.Guests with wireless-equipped laptops can access the Internet at speeds of up to 50 times faster than 56 Kbps dialup.

Wingate Inn President Keith Pierce said the introduction of free wireless service is “a natural move” for the chain, which “has been focused on providing guests with enabling technology” since its founding in 1995. The chain introduced free wired high-speed Internet service in all guest rooms in 1999.

“Providing wireless access that allows our guests to ‘unlatch’ and work wherever they want is good, but providing it for free is what distinguishes us from other chains,” he said.

LodgeNet Entertainment Corp., the hotel chain’s Internet service provider since 1999, is providing the wireless connectivity.

Wireless access is provided free as part of the Wingate Inn all-inclusive pricing policy, which includes free faxes and photocopies, free deluxe continental breakfast, free local calls and long-distance access and free use of its 24-hour, self-service business centers.

Every Wingate Inn room features a large desk, on-demand movies, Internet- enabled TV, cordless phone, two-line speakerphone with conference calling and voice mail, safe, coffee maker, hair dryer, iron and ironing boards. Hotel facilities include meeting rooms and a fitness room with whirlpool. Many hotels also offer swimming pools.

The chain recently introduced a humorous free amenity, “Interruption Be Gone” do-not-disturb doorknob hangers. One of the variety of tongue-in-cheek hangers portrays a stressed professional banging his head against a wall with the caption, “It’s Crunch Time. Please Do Not Disturb.”

 

While focused on serving the needs of business travelers, Wingate Inn hotels also cater to leisure travelers with larger-than-average guest rooms (12 by 28 feet) and free accommodations for children 18 and under when accompanied by an adult family member.

Wingate Inn hotels also offer a 100 percent guest satisfaction guarantee: When problems are brought to the attention of hotel management during a stay but cannot be resolved immediately, guests will receive a refund for that night.
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