Ubiquitous does not equal free

A bit of a typo on my trip itinerary led me to arrive at the Tampa International Airport about 4 hours ahead of schedule this morning. I can honestly say that has never happened before. I don't mind so much chilling at the airport. Free wireless, blogs and news to read, Starbucks in my system. The problem was waking up at 4 a.m. to get here "on time." Still, nothing I can do about it now.

I was looking at the hotel I'll be staying at while attending the National Staff Development Council Conference in Denver. Decided to check up on wireless access. Three page clicks in and I found this:

Every convenience is yours in our 360 sq.ft. Denver Colorado accommodations, including Continental breakfast, on-site business center, work station with ergonomic chair and wired/wireless Internet access (fee applies). Enjoy Rocky Mountain or city views from our luxurious downtown Denver accommodations, plus two telephones, 32-inch, flat-screen TV and one king or two double Hyatt Grand Beds with plush pillows, soft sheeting and thick down blankets piled upon a pillow-top mattress.

I might be the only one who thinks this strange. A 32-inch, flat-screen TV and I still have to pay for Internet access?
During my trip home last week, I stayed at La Quinta on the way up and back. La Quinta of Chattanooga boasts:

Guest Room Amenities

• Free High-Speed Internet Access in some rooms
  
• Dataport Phones
  
• Cable Television
  
• Coffee Maker
  
• Hair Dryer
  
• Iron with Ironing Board
  
• Alarm Clock

Sure, my television wasn't flat, but my access was free. That was for $40/night. Baffled I tell ya, baffled!
More later.