Who's afraid of the 34th floor?

Me! That's who!! You guessed it, my room at Planet Hollywood was on the 34th floor. How lucky for me, NOT! So, we checked in at the  PH front desk with little to no trouble. The rooms were prepaid and we could check in with Westgate Vacations for the rest of our package up until 10pm that night. After being in the hills of Tennessee without Internet service, I asked the guy at the front desk if Internet was provided in the rooms. He informed us that Wi-Fi and cable hook-up were provided in all the rooms. I was ecstatic! That is such a great amenity for hotels to provide these days. We proceeded to the elevator and I held my breath for 34 floors. Ordinarily not an easy task, but we had the "express" elevator that basically flies past the first 23 floors (again, lucky me). The rooms were absolutely fabulous! That particular floor had recently been remodeled (Planet Hollywood used to be The Aladdin) and we had a gorgeous bathroom with huge jacuzzi tub, large shower, and lots of room overall. There was a 42 inch wide-screen TV for our viewing pleasure and a very comfortable bed with lots of pillows. We were able to get adjoining rooms so that made it really fun, like being in a suite. So far, I was pretty impressed. Everyone else appreciated the view too. Me, not so much.
Anyway, I plugged in my laptop and began following the steps to hook up to the Internet. While reading the directions posted I noticed there would be a charge of $12.99 per day. I guess "provided" or "available" does not actually mean "complimentary". I was sure that front desk guy had left me with the impression the service was free, but then again, they have a knack for that in Las Vegas. You think something is complimentary, but you later find there is a catch that requires a purchase of some kind. At this point, I was so happy just to have Internet available to me I wasn't too bothered with having to pay for it. This could easily have been my error. (Please make note of how reasonable I can be, it will come in handy later). I followed all the procedures for Wi-Fi hook up as it really wasn't very difficult. At least not until I actually wanted to visit a website. My computer was pretty sure it was connected, but I couldn't navigate to anywhere. I called the Internet help number and was put on hold by a computer that was busy helping other customers for almost 30 minutes. Finally, after much time went by it was determined by Cox Communications that the hotel has not turned on the Internet access to my room because they do not have a credit card on file for me. Are you kidding? So, I called the front desk and tried to give them my credit card over the phone so as to gain access to the Internet. I was told I would have to come back downstairs for that......all 34 floors. Yikes!!!! Tell me they didn't know they needed my credit card when I asked them if I had Internet available in my room. Maybe that is another reason I thought it was a free service........silly me! Well, far be it from me to waste a good trip downstairs so I decided to go ahead and check in with Westgate Vacations and pick up the rest of our amenities (gambling chips). We did a rather uneventful check in that required a photo id and a signature and instructions to meet at 11:30 am for our tour the next day. Unfortunately, their "system" was down and they were unable to provide us with the dinner tickets, show tickets, or chips. They asked if we would mind waiting until tomorrow and pick everything up when we came for the tour. We were still very unsuspecting at this point so of course we were agreeable. Third flag up the pole........

Comments

[Fred]

So now the story is taking shape! I can relate somewhat to the 34th floor discomfort. But it seems that may be the least offensive part of the experience. I've given up on hotel "services" to provide internet access. I use a 'Sprint Mobile Broadband' card. My personal cell service is with Verizon but my company has a contract with sprint for mobile wireless. I believe the service is around $50/month. A little slower than some hotels, but so far it ALWAYS works with or without any 'service' from the hotel or from Cox Comm. I'm looking forward to the next chapter!

[Annie]

Fred, would that Sprint Mobile Broadband card have worked in the cabin in Tennessee? I had Sprint cell service the entire time. That sounds tempting. A much feared travel critic cannot be caught without Internet service during her many travels!!

[Karen]

I noticed that too, in Vegas they charge for you to use the Internet. Grrr. Some of the airports also impose a fee. I hope that changes soon.

[Fred]

Yep, as long as there's a cell signal, you're good to go! I appreciate all the free wireless sites, but can't depend on them. Haven't checked out an individual plan, but we are using satellite service for remote data collection. The corp rate is about the same for cell or satellite. With satellite there are virtually NO DEAD SPOTS! Always on, everywhere! When I posted my comment from the Atlanta airport, I was using my Sprint card; airport fee would have been $10 just for the 30 minutes I was online.

[Annie]

I feel a post coming on.....HA!

[AVCr8teur]

I don't think any of those large hotel/casinos offer free internet service in their rooms. They'll never do it unless people can gamble from their rooms over the internet. You can get free wifi at the Apple Store in Fashion Show Mall, but that's quite a walk from PH. I stayed at the Aladdin once so I'm curious if PH still has the faucets that's shaped like the magic lamps. :P

[Annie]

Those faucets might still be on some of the floors that haven't been remodeled yet, but there was no sign of them in our room!! I liked it better as the Aladdin. The theme seemed less glitzy to me. I was afraid to go to the Apple store because my hubby is trying to talk me into a new computer, ha ha!!