I've used the $9.95 a day services (Xircom modem/Ethernet adapter in my laptop) in N.American hotels and I love it. The speed is terriffic!
I suppose I should add that it's when I'm on business and the company foots the bill, but I'd probably pay it if I had to, despite being known for my mean-ness
If you set up Outlook right, you can use all your addy's pretty much all of the time; problem is only getting that internet access when in another country.