Poor wifi reception with iPad 2

I spend a large amount of time in Hotels. I've noticed that my iPad 2 wifi reception is terrible compared to my laptop. I'm always able to receive a quality signal with my laptop, but in most cases, I either get no usable signal with the iPad, or it drops off line every few minutes and/or is extremely slow. Apple phone support and hotel tech support both say that the iPad has a weak reception as part of its design. Is there some way to improve my iPad wifi? Obviously, I do not have access to the routers, which seem to be the majority of suggestions on forums. Are there external antennas of some sort that I should buy. Please keep in mind that I have no technical expertise, nor am I an engineer. Thanks a million for the input.