[Billthedrill]

Aw, you beat me to it. The last half-dozen places I've stayed in the States (and by NO means were they luxury hotels!) it's been "free," meaning included in the room price. Like water. Which brings up a very interesting contrast, not in cost, but in attitude. It turns out to be more expensive to administer a separate charge for its use than to simply provide its presence. That's cold, hard economics, not sentiment.

I'm guessing European hotels may figure this out, but if they don't I'd love to know why not. Excessive government interference? European FReepers, your comments on the topic are most welcome!

[Tolik]

Same here. Some regular business hotels offer a free breakfast. Not as good as a paid one, but free. I stayed in one that offers one free beer to start a “happy hour”!