1

It depends on the hotel.

I've been in hotels with wireless routers placed on every or every second floor, so the wifi signal in every room is good.

Small guesthouses might have only one router, so the signal gets weaker as the distance from the router increases. And some places often have a common room where guests can use computers.

2

'do any of you bring along wireless USB network adapter' - no, hadn't thought about it before but good idea now you mention it! I've found it common that whilst places have wifi the signals inside rooms (particularly when the router is at the reception and I'm on a higher floor or even just away from that main lobby area) can be weak or non existant. The other thing I've found is a place might not have wifi, but a cafe next door does and can sometimes just about get a signal. I've never tried on of those - the only reason I wouldn't get one is it's more stuff to carry that isn't essential. Be interesting whether it does much - if it is powerful enough to make a big difference. For $20, it doesn't seem a huge gamble.

3

With an external adapter like that you have the option of re-positioning it to attempt to get a better signal. Sort of like playing with the antenna on the TV to get better reception. I have a Linksys that's about the size of a cigarette pack, with a fold-down antenna on it, has saved the day a few times.

4

I'm using a high-powered WIFI USB modem for several years now and gets me connected with distant WIFI routers.

High power long range WiFi USB adapter

An average USB WIFI adapter has about 20 -100 mW of transmit power. With a good antenna these adapters can usually pick-up a WIFI signal at quite some distance, but are to weak to be 'heard' by the WIFI router. Its frustrating to see the signal but not being able to connect. More transmit power can solve this problem.

The USB adapter in the link has 500 mW of transmit power. The external antenna connector allows you to place the antenna outside, keeping the USB adapter inside.