In-room wifi or internet access

[yowzator]

I'm looking for information about internet access at RCI resorts. I've looked online, and it doesn't seem to list wifi/internet as a resort amenity. Is information available somewhere about in-room internet, lobby wifi, costs, and so forth?

If not, out of the resorts you have visited, can you give me a ballpark idea of percentages for the following questions?

What percentage of RCI resorts have internet access in room, either paid or free?

What percentage of RCI resorts have free internet access in the room?

What percentage offer wifi in room vs an ethernet port in room?

If in-room access isn't free, what is the average weekly fee for internet access?

What percentage of resorts have free wifi in a common area?

Any tips on how to pick only resorts with in-room internet access? I run several internet businesses and really need to have internet access most of the time. I can get access through my cell phone most places, but there are data limits, 4G isn't everywhere yet, and in-room service is normally better.

Thanks!
Tauren

 

[Passepartout]

It's really spotty. Many TUG people DO include internet access as part of their reviews. Of course you have to be a TUG member to have access to the reviews. (costs $15- use me as a reference)

Generally, I think internet access is closer to universal at cheap motels than at resorts. This is because cheap motels cater to the business traveler whereas resorts' target clientele is vacationing families. Many people on vacation don't WANT to be tied to their office/work. Of those who desire access, many are happy to have a shared terminal or two in a lobby area to be able to check email, print a boarding pass or check in with their TUG buddies.

Many of the mature timeshares are governed by a penny-pinching HOA or BOD. I find internet access to be a luxury many have not chosen to burden the owners (us) to pay for.

Of those I frequent, one has in-room wireless, one has in-lobby terminals and wi-fi in some public areas. At many, especially in Europe, I'm afraid it's down the street at McDonalds.

You ask for percentages of this and that, but since so many resorts are independent, other than booking, RCI has no governing power over amenities offered by associating resorts. As to price, I've seen it everywhere from free to $50/week or so.

A button you could click on RCI for those with access might be handy, but it doesn't exist. If you want access, work with the BOD of your resorts to get it installed. I would think that in the future, Internet access will be like indoor plumbing. Viewed as a necessity. But that time isn't now.

Jim Ricks

 

[Mel]

Your best bet is to check the resort websites, or call the resorts directly. Many of the resorts run by the major hotel chains do have in-room internet, either free or for a fee. Many of the smaller resorts do not.

Remember that as Jim already stated, the cost of the infrastructure is borne by the HOA (thus the individual owners), even if it is not free. When it's free, that cost is also shared among the owners. Remember also that at resorts the speed of the connection may not be up to your needs - because it may be shared by a large number of rooms.

Eventually it might end up being treated as a necessity, but I see it as being like local phone service. Some resorts have free local calling, but others do still charge for all phone usage. It's a matter of what the owners are willing to pay. (The only resorts where your complaints are likely to matter are those where you own, and only if enough other owners agree with you).

 

[yowzator]

Thanks for the replies. I hadn't considered that the costs of this service would be added to member dues, but it totally makes sense. Now I understand why internet isn't included at most places I've been to.

I sure wish that it was a searchable feature on the RCI website. But I understand how I might be in the minority. Most people want to get away from everything while on vacation.

I'm trying to determine how realistic it woud be for me to take 2 full months this summer and hop from one timeshare to another. I would need regular internet access during that time to be able to do it, as I can't take that much time away from my business.

It sounds like I should not rely on resorts having anything. Even if I find resorts that they say they have internet, all to often it isn't working when you get there. It would probably be better to pay for a dedicated mobile data plan. But my concern is that many locations might not have very good mobile data coverage. And if I travel to Mexico or internationally, the mobile data plan wouldn't work there.

Anyway, thanks for the replies. They help a lot!

 

[linsj]

Hilton-owned resorts all have free wifi in units and other areas, and the speed has been good. Not sure about the affiliates though.

Many of the resort descriptions in RCI mention if it's free or for a fee. If not, most of the time I've found that info in the TUG reviews. When I can't find it, I ask in the appropriate forum here; someone always knows.

 

[Cheryl20772]

It sounds like, in order to be absolutely sure, you need unlimited data and a good cell phone. We like Sprint for that and use our phone tethered to laptop when the resort internet is lacking. It's difficult to predict what kind of service you will find as it varies from room to room in some places. We own at one resort that has had it some years and not others. They had Skyrim for a few years and then dropped the contract.