Travel Tip: Word of Mouth is Still King

With the over-abundance of information that is available out there when it comes to travel, it is no wonder the good old tried and true method of word-of-mouth has somewhat dissipated. Well, I am here to tell you that there really is some validity to this old-age referral system and that sometimes, Sally in HR is a much better source than Shatner. Come on, you really think Shatner stays at the local HoJo?

Seek The Word

After booking several hotel rooms for both myself and my boss, I considered myself a bit of a seasoned professional. Yes, that's right, I said it! I felt that I had enough experience under my belt that I was beyond surprisingly unpleasant accommodations - I could spot the good ones from a mile away. Right. Tell that to the version of me who was forced to go to the concierge three times in the same night because of the banshees that were in the room above me and the gnat farm that had taken root in my bathroom sink. Throw in some crushed up candies mashed in the carpet and mold on the bathroom ceiling and you've got all the makings of a 4-star accommodation! Most of you should be gasping by now at the notion of the hotel I just described being listed as 4-star. And you would be right to do so. You had better believe the minute I arrived home, smoke was coming from my keyboard as I wrote the hotel's corporate office.

All of that aside, the moral of the story is this: when booking accommodations (for yourself or your boss) seek the word. Do not always believe what those travel sites tell you when the promise you 4-star accommodations at a 2-star price. I will admit that this was one of many experiences that happened to end less than ideal. But that is neither here nor there. Ask! Ask every professional acquaintance you know about good hotels in whatever area you are attempting to visit. You can even start a discussion here on OfficeArrow and get the input of the entire OA community.

Another good idea is to call the local Chamber of Commerce who might be willing to give more honest reviews of local establishments. Basically, if Sally in HR recommends it, you're probably better off. And don't think that means you can't get a good deal. Simply utilize the discount travel sites after you have determined which hotels are acceptable. This same rule applies to airlines and transportation services.

Spread The Word

Equally as important as seeking the word is spreading it. If you were holed up in less than ideal accommodations that did not meet your expectations, share the news. Not only with those you know, but also those you don't. Go back to those travel sites and write your own review of the place. In doing so, you are offering a professional courtesy to others just like you who are simply looking for a place to rest up in between meetings and conferences without having to deal with gnat farms in their bathroom. Just about all travel sites and search engines (Google and Yahoo especially) have features that allow users to rate hotels and give details of their experience, which is a great way for professionals to spread the word about both positive and negative experiences in certain hotels. Likewise, be sure to join in travel discussions here on OfficeArrow when a fellow member has a question you can offer an opinion on.

There really is no better way to "stick it" to an establishment that is being untrue to their rating than to diminish their business by pointing other travelers elsewhere. When it comes down to it, we rely on each other for assistance in performing to the best of our abilities in our careers. Seeking and spreading the word will ensure you don't end up stomping down your hallway at 3:00 am in your robe - like someone we know.