Business travelers place Internet access high on their "necessary to survive" list and often complain about slow dial-up access.

They are accustomed to having high speed connections in the office and at home, and expect the same when they travel.

These travelers are in a hurry to retrieve and answer email messages, get news and information instantly, and want to be fully prepared for their business meetings. They don't want to change their normal business pace, even when working in their hotel rooms.  "Free high speed Internet access on an unlimited basis in every guest room is as obvious today as hot and cold running water," says Le Parker Meridien general manager Steven Pipes.

Yet surprisingly enough, a random phone survey revealed that only a handful of luxury hotels in New York City offer high speed Internet access at all. At other hotels in New York, and around the country for that matter, this business tool is either not available, or only provided in a limited number of rooms, or at fees ranging from $10 to $15 per day or for a staggering $6 to $25 every 15 minutes in the business center. Therefore, guests at Le Parker Meridien New York are especially thankful to be getting this important "business requirement" for no charge at this newyorksmart, midtown hotel.

Guests need to bring a computer equipped with an Ethernet network card (most models 4-years-old and younger have them) and the ever-popular patch cord, and plug in. If they forget their cord, the hotel concierge will hook them up with a new one for just $10 plus tax.

Le Parker Meridien's 730 ergonomically inspired rooms and suites with far reaching views of Central Park and the Manhattan skyline, give you that "at ease" feeling as you step out in the big town.