Letters: demand free wi-fi from pricey hotels15 April 2011, 21:17:00 - (409 hits) Demand free Wi-Fi
Having just completed a round-the-world tour, mainly in Europe and South America, it appears to be a universal rule that the more expensive the hotel, the more you pay for extras such as Wi-Fi. Most three or four-star establishments I have been to, even in remote areas, provide this service free. I suggest we start a global revolution to force the international chains to change their penny-pinching ways.
Also on hotels, why do double rooms often have only one comfortable chair, even if there is space for two, and only one collapsible suitcase stand? Two people travelling normally equates to two suitcases. I am fed up with scrabbling around on hands and knees for my socks and jocks.
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- Tony Oxley
Food let-down
My husband and I travelled between Sydney and Hobart on Virgin Blue late last month. As with Judith English (Traveller, March 26), we did not like the new Luke Mangan menu. What happened to the healthy fresh food they used to have?
- Fiona Day
Visit Yogyakarta
Our recent holiday to Bali included a side trip to Yogyakarta - a great city, friendly and exciting.
Although warned of batik scams, we immediately fell for "Harry’s" charm and bought two outrageously overpriced batiks. He assured us all money raised from his "special" exhibition would go to building a well in recently devastated Mount Merapi and that he would email updates on the progress. Three months later and still no news from Harry. Oh well, scams are all part of the experience.
We still enthusiastically recommend Yogyakarta. The Phoenix Hotel is worth the visit alone.
- Denise Trent
Qantas blameless
It’s unfortunate that Stuart Cohen (Traveller, April 2) and his family had problems travelling to Thailand because of his children’s passport validity. But to expect that Qantas should warn you about this over the phone is not reasonable. Qantas is an airline, not a passport registry.
- Anhtai Anhtuan
Tatty passport rejected
In response to Stuart Cohen, there are many warnings about passports needing six months’ validity. I can, however, confirm similar treatment by Jetstar check-in staff last year when my partner tried to travel to Hawaii. The problem was not the passport validity but that a staff member thought the passport was not in good enough condition. The passport had been used in Europe and Asia without problems only months earlier.
- Denis Goodwin
Shock at check-in
On a family holiday to Fiji last year, I was informed at Jetstar check-in that I could not board the plane because my passport did not quite have six months’ validity. I bid a tearful farewell to my husband with the intention of applying for a new passport. In desperation, I returned to the service desk and asked whether I could contact immigration at Nadi Airport to plead my case. Using my mobile phone, a Jetstar staff member made the call on my behalf and, mercifully, Fiji was happy to take me. Jetstar rushed through my check-in and I was able to surprise my family at the boarding gate with minutes to spare.
- Katherine Coote
Perfect time for Egypt
I have just returned from a tour of Egypt with Bunnik Tours. My decision not to cancel my trip after the civil unrest was due to the frequent updates by the company and the fact that director Marion Bunnik based herself in Cairo while tours resumed. It is a great time to visit Egypt, the people are welcoming and friendly and - despite the obvious military, security and police presence - our group felt safe.
The reduced numbers of tourists means improved access to sites and photo opportunities.
There is a real feeling of enthusiasm among the people as they move towards a democratic future. I would encourage anyone to visit soon and take advantage of the "new" Egypt before the crowds return.
- Julia Meek
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