Same planet, different worlds.....

[Katie G]

What on earth do you say when someone in your office comes to you asking your opinion/experience on a hotel where the rates start at about $400USD?  Or restaurants where the appetizers start at what I'd pay for an entree for a "special occasion" dinner?  (Seriously, I looked up a menu that listed a $27 SALAD under the appetizers.)

For example, I was just asked if the Four Seasons Hotel in a major city was "nice".  Nice?  What constitutes "nice" at $400 a pop?  I have no idea.  What would make a $400 room not nice?  Again, I have no idea.  I rarely spend more than $80 for a room when I travel. 

I mean, I can look up reviews on online, but that's about it.  And when I say "I'm sorry, I can't offer a personal opinion because I've never been there." (and no, I don't mention it's because it's way out of my budget), I get a blank stare and then an "oh". 

It's happening more and more as I'm arranging more travel than ever now.  How can I handle this graciously without embarrassing myself and/or the asker?

[gee4]

Well if you have experienced a hotel where the rates start at that price, you give your opinion.  If not, then be honest.

What a strange thing to ask someone.

It amazes me that just because we book travel, it is assumed we've been to all these countries and stayed in all these hotels.

[Katie G]

It amazes me that just because we book travel, it is assumed we've been to all these countries and stayed in all these hotels.

I guess that's what's got me so.... .  I'm dealing with folks who are earning easily 3 or 4 times as much as I do -- we're just not in the same economic circles, if you know what I mean.  I can only go on what I read online in reviews, or what others have told me about a specific place.

[Atlanta Z3]

I have one who also wants hotels at that level but our company limits what can be paid per night with certain city exceptions.  I would be as proactive as possible for upcoming trips and research high end hotels for those areas.  General rule of thumb Four Seasons, Ritz Carlton, and Mandarin sites should all pass muster.  If put on the spot I reply I haven't stayed there personally but I will be happy to find out the level of their accomodations.  Is there a particulare feature or service you will require?
I'm with you I limit my hotels to $100 if possible - I'm not going on vacation to stay in a room.  Work travel is different as we all know, women want safety and comfort, men want convenience and service!

[misslynn]

For hotels, if it's someplace that I can go myself then I will go and ask for a site visit to walk the hotel. It may be out of my price range to stay there, but I can walk the property with their manager any time. Whenever I travel someplace new, I check out a few of the local hotels to add to my list. If it's someplace that I'm not familiar with and can't go myself, I call someone who is local and ask for their recommendation and ensure that they understand the standard I'm looking for.

Over the years, I've compiled a listing of hotels in every major city in the US (my boss doesn't travel Internationally often) along with notes about each (close to the airport, good restaurant on-site, 7th floor is for business travelers, etc.).

For restaurants, Yelp is my best friend. My boss recently went to Canada so I looked up each of the restaurants that he would be going to and was able to give him tips such as the seafood tower being legendary at one of the locations. Upon his return, the VP from Canada that he was visiting sent him a note to say he will be sure to Yelp any future restaurants he goes to!

[JessW]

  Katie

Keep it simple.  If you don't know, just say you have not heard anything bad about wherever it is!

That is not lying, it is not expressing an opinion, and it is honest (you probably have not heard anything bad!).

Jess 

[gee4]

Not sure if this person was making inquries from a personal perspective or with regard to business travel.

My employer insists all staff must adhere to the company travel policy...that means staying in prefered hotels, booking low cost airlines where possible, and following guidelines for meal allowances etc.

[msmarieh]

Yes, I would expect the Four Seasons hotel to be nice.

This kind of thing is where I rely on my IAAP network. I often contact other members in those cities and ask for their recommendations. Alternatively, there are many tripadvisor type sites out now where you can check reviews of hotels.

[debbienealuk]

If someone is asking for your professional opinion on restaurants and hotels, that's because they see you as an expert.  You may not have direct experience of a place but you probably have contacts (on dd ) who may have used a particular restaurant or hotel for an event before.  If you're asked this question again, I'd find out what they're looking for - a group meal, a celebration, a private 1:1 customer meeting, board dinner/meeting, etc. then say - let me ask a few people and I'll get back to you. 

Do some online research but take with a huge pinch of salt and remember that restaurants and hotels go through good and bad phases.  I use a great venue-finding agency who's opinion I trust, and I would always ask our local offices if they've used xyz hotel, restaurant and also what else they'd recommend in their city. 

Big prestigious names like the Four Seasons are usually a pretty safe option, but not always - one of the 'grand' hotels of London was the worst event I've ever ran - far too busy looking after millionaires and their teenage girlfriends to pay attention to such trivial matters as getting food for my delegates on time.