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Brings High-speed Internet to 1800�s Building |
Atlanta, GA [March 1,
2004] � It was once known as the �Deep Springs Stagestop,� a refuge for
weary travelers looking for �good water� outside the city of St. Louis.
Then it became the �St. Louis County Poor Farm,� and a two-story L-shaped
barn handcrafted with limestone walls 36 inches thick marked the spot.
Today, the walls remain and travelers still stop by, but it�s a vacationing
crowd voluntarily checking into the Holiday Inn at Six Flags. And, while
the original �barn� remains, the hotel is filled with modern amenities.
Starting this week, guests can check emails or surf the web from anywhere
on property using wireless high-speed access.
Last month, the property, formerly a Ramada Inn, raised its flag as a Holiday Inn. One of the challenges general manager Mike Klenke faced was meeting the chain�s new brand standards for modern technologies. �With three foot stone walls and virtually no crawl space, adding wiring or even additional phone lines wasn�t an easy task,� said Klenke. Both cost and construction issues provided challenges. His work list did include high-speed Internet access. �While we�re primarily a tourist destination,� said Klenke, �trends in the industry point to a desire for high speed access for all users, business as well as pleasure.� Another factor was nearby neighbor, Ralston Purina. The hotel was home to many humans frequenting dog shows in the area. And Klenke noted that the group was particularly tech savvy, often commenting on connection speeds. To find the right solution and right vendor, Klenke enlisted the help of Robert Hernandez of Tel-Comp. After reviewing several proposals, StayOnline of Atlanta, GA was selected. �It wasn�t all about price,� added Klenke. �There are quite a few providers, but not many with longevity. We looked for staying power, a turn-key operation, and service. If something goes wrong, it�s the hotel and our brand that suffers in the eye of the customer. We looked for a partner who would service our customers as if they were their own.� �We look at each hotel as a partner with our company,� added Antonio DiMilia, president of StayOnline. �Our RF-trained engineers survey each property individually so that connections are seamless and unwavering. And StayOnline�s EZAir, a Plug �n Play device makes it simple for the hotel guest to connect their computer to the network. Ease of use enables use.� StayOnline is providing wireless access throughout the 98,000-square-foot facility including guest rooms, common areas and the hotel�s �Holidome.� The Holidome surrounds the pool area and allows parents to sit back away from the sun and/or water and still have an eagle-eyed view of their kids. �We have 18th century character with next century amenities,� commented Klenke. About
StayOnline, Inc.
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StayOnline
Sharon Kraun
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