Palmieri added that it was important for the system to be engineered to fit their needs, including adapting to changing technologies. Customer service and ease of use were also critical criteria. In addition to its conference space, three restaurants and all public areas, the Hilton's 500 guest rooms are also wirelessly enabled.

There continues to be debate on whether or not individual guest rooms really need wireless access. [They do, no question. --DG] The space between desk and phone connection within an individual guest room is always close at hand. But the comfort and convenience factor again comes into play. Business travelers equipped with wireless laptops don't always enjoy being tethered by wires, even within the confines of their hotel room.

The Hilton hotel reports that demand for wireless has exploded since its installation. Two thirds of guests responding to a recent survey at the hotel said that the availability of wireless influenced their decision to stay there and would influence their decision to return.

Said survey respondent Sandeep Pal, "The service provides busy hotel guests the "freedom to work from anywhere -- such as the lobby or your bed -- without being tethered to a wall or (sic) phone outlet."

For those guests whose laptops are not wirelessly enabled, the hotel offers StayOnline's EZAir, a simple Plug 'n Play device that connects their computer to the network seamlessly. The system is also compatible with certified through Intel Corporation's Wireless Verification Program (WVP), meaning travelers with the very latest 802.11b Centrino chipset from Intel can rest assured that the network is fully compatible with their computer.

Is it worth the hotel's investment?
The Hilton Lincoln Centre has had their wireless service installed for a little under three months, but is already seeing a strong return on investment. So far, the hotel has logged an average of 600 guests per month using the service at an average daily rate of $9.95, with the numbers increasing slightly each month.

Happy customers mean repeat business and a happy hotel.

Sharon Kraun is marketing consultant working in Atlanta, GA. specializing in consumer products and wireless connectivity.