Don’t stay at a hotel that hasn’t been vetted by the Internet

March 02, 2010 | Internet Marketing

When it comes to hotels, the Internet is by far the most effective way to avoid a troubled hotel, writes travel columnist Christopher Elliott. He suggests consumers should use social media to find - and punish - the worst hotel properties. If your hotel checks out online, chances are you’ll have a good stay.

Travel is still at the beginning of its long descent into mediocrity. Airlines seem to invent new surcharges and passenger-hostile rules every week. Hotels aren’t far behind. Just the mention of the word “customer service” in the back office can be enough to evoke cackles of disdain from the underpaid employees. Worse, there are virtually no consumer protections against any of the inevitable abuses.

Bad hotels don’t just take their guests for granted, they prey on them with poorly-disclosed surcharges like “resort fees” and mandatory gratuities. They barely tolerate our presence, and when we have the audacity to complain about something, they shrug us off.

Use social media to find - and punish - the worst properties. When it comes to hotels, the Internet is by far the most effective way to avoid a troubled hotel. Despite the best efforts of these awful hotels, it’s impossible to hide from an angry public.

Get the full story at MSNBC