Why haven't other reviewers addressed the impossib...

Why haven't other reviewers addressed the impossibly slow Internet at this hotel, which bills itself as a luxury hotel that serves international business travelers? The days of 56K dial-up are supposed to be well behind us, but not at Sofitel, where, if you load a couple Google maps of the city or watch a YouTube video, your allotted one gig of data is gobbled up, after which the hotel places an enormous pipe wrench around band width. Oh, but you can pay extra for faster speeds. With up-charges and a smile, the front desk can ensure that you might even be able to check your email.

Step outside to the curb, and you find that the city of Brisbane has free and robust wifi. One imagines that one could throw on some grubby blue jeans and a t-shirt, and proceed to plop down cross-legged on the sidewalk in front of the hotel. Suggestion: while camping on sidewalk with device in hand, leave your laptop case wide open so that passersby might chuck coins into it.

The hotel's stingy disposition toward providing reasonable online access for its guests unfortunately taints other aspects of the hotel that could otherwise be considered above average, such as the glorious morning buffet and truly excellent cafe staff. They want you to be well fed before your sidewalk sessions.