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Proximity to one of the region’s most storied resorts helps attract customers, but Arthurita Butler, General Manager of Comfort Suites Paradise Island in the Bahamas, said the provision of free Wi-Fi and complimentary breakfasts were listed as “a huge draw” by her guests.

“To even have Wi-Fi was big but to offer it for free was huge,” according to Butler, who added while vacationers appreciated access to email and social media, her corporate and business guests were particularly drawn to the complimentary services.

While offering free hot breakfast “was a cost for us,” seeing the increased occupancy more than offset the expense, especially with families with several children.

The huge Atlantis Paradise Island luxury resort right next door is certainly a major draw, especially as Comfort Suites guests can enjoy full use of all their facilities, including swimming pools, the beach, magnificent waterscapes, Lazy River Ride, water slides, health spa, tennis, and a kids camp.

Comfort Suites guests also have full signing privileges at Atlantis’ restaurants and lounges.

In a recent hotels.com hotel amenities survey, guests reported free Wi-Fi is a must when choosing a hotel room and that this amenity overwhelmingly factored into the decision on which hotel to book.

Thirty-eight percent of travelers reported that free Wi-Fi played a part in their decision as a “must” to stay at a specific hotel, 35 percent reported it is the simple amenity they want to see more in hotels, with 31 percent wishing it would become a standard in all hotels in 2012.

Butler is appreciative of the benefits accrued through franchising with Choice Hotels International which enables Comfort Suites Paradise Island customers to reap benefits “way beyond the expectations of the brand.”

“Whether on business or leisure travel, complimentary Internet access is imperative,” said Bill Clegg, Regional Vice President for Brand Performance and Programs of Choice Hotels International. “We are in the business of providing quality vacation experiences and will continue to respond to the needs of our guests to ensure the choice is clear when it comes to Caribbean travel,” he added.