These "special places to stay" guides look great but has anyone stayed at any of the recommended places and what do you think?

I have stayed at some places in Sawday's book and they were great. Others were not good and I refused to stay in them. Reason for the inconsistancy? Money. The places listed pay big bucks to get listed in Alistair Sawday's books. They pay = big Al makes big money = they get into the book.

I have, in Spain, and they were great

Is it true, as et says, that the places in these guides pay to be in them? Can anyone confirm this?

I've used this guide for Ireland. I stayed at a few of the places he listed--though my favorites I found through other sources. I did pick a couple from his guide, and was a bit disappointed. Though, in one place the time of year probably influenced my experience, plus I was the only person staying. In the other place, I think the description was downright misleading; but the experience makes for a fun story now!

Sawday's guides say up front that the places pay for their listings, and also that the guides only list places that meet their high standards, or some such thing. Sawday's guides are not alone in this regard. There are slews of B&B guides that, if you read carefully or between the lines, turn out to consist of paid listings. Some will take listings from anybody who pays, while others do make their own selections but will still only list places that agree to pay.<BR><BR>I've stayed in one of the less expensive Scottish places listed in Sawday's. I liked it and it was as described.

Hi Miranda:<BR>I have stayed in a couple of the recommended places in Spain and have seen a few others on my travels. We had one problem with ripped window screens in one place (I didn't think Spain had mosquitos til that night!!) Thank goodness the little things don't exist everywhere there. But other than that smallish blip the hotels were represented fairly in the book.<BR><BR>I wouldn't hesitate to book them again.<BR>regards,<BR>Lynn

What good is a guide if it is not consistent? If some places are excellent and others are no good how can you make a reservation with any kind of trust? If places pay to be in the books (and maybe write their own description?) does that mean the publishers/writers of the books can be objective? Are they seeing dollar signs dancing before their eyes or the faces of their readers? Do they really care? Do you really care?

I have Allistair's Guide and have used his advice to stay at several places in France in the past 5-6 year and have never been disappointed. I think he is ever so much more knowledgable than Karen Brown, for example.