Your new free office space: Internet, email, word processing, printing and much more — all in a nicely air-conditioned, quiet environment with ergonomic seating

What's not to like about that?

It dawned on me last month when I was staying at the Hilton Garden Inn in Richmond and passed the hotel's business center each time I made my way to and from the elevators that if I didn't have a computer or even a room at the hotel, I could take advantage of their facilities just like a guest.

No one cares who uses the space, at least during daylight hours; it's usually unlocked; and even if it requires a card key for entry, whoever's inside will let you in without a second thought if you knock or wave.

If it's empty, act like you left your room key in your car or room and ask a guest to open it for you.

Usually there's no password required to get online, you just hit enter and you're surfing.

Great for anyone who needs free Internet on the fly.

Bonus: The better the hotel, the better the facilities.

Bonus #2: Because it's a public computer, you're anonymous.