I don’t like sleeping in hotels; I feel more comfortable in my bed at home. But I love to travel. It’s a conundrum at best. If I travel frequently to a particular destination, I pick one hotel and always stay there.

Why? I know exactly what I’m getting, and I feel good about that. Many travelers choose a destination (or a conference or event destination is chosen for them), then try to book a hotel based on price as well as information and photos online. Unfortunately, every website is not true to its property and fails to promote what it does best.

Don’t you hate it when you see an ad for a lovely property with beach views and a fabulous pool, only to learn the beach is four blocks away and the pool is – let’s say, less than stellar? Truth is, everyone doesn’t want to stay “on the beach” and may never use the pool. And, I’ve come across properties that are selling the “expected” attributes – wireless Internet, pool and restaurants – but failing to mention some of the special touches – in-room spa service, walk-in showers – that could close the deal again and again.

A few years ago, I stayed at a casino resort property for a conference. There was no mention of the pool in any of the information I received, but it didn’t matter since it was January. It wasn’t until I attended a party near the pool that I discovered it was heated for the winter, partly enclosed and a great place to relax after a long day of meetings. That same property advertised free wireless Internet. But, I happened to be booked into a room where reception was poor, so I never was able to take advantage of that. And that was a problem for me as a business traveler attending a conference.

If I could give these properties advice as a traveler (and a tourism professional) it would be this: “Be honest about what you have and sensitive to the real needs of your visitors. Then be prepared to deliver what you promise.” In the end, that will improve the properties’ long-term booking success rate, and their visitors will become ambassadors.

I do love to travel, so I’ll take back what I said earlier. I don’t mind staying in the right hotel. The right hotel can be better than home. No one at my house fluffs my pillows or offers me room service.