OK, savvy travelers....I just returned from staying at a Sheraton that was not very good, in fact lousy. How can I avoid this again?? Where can I find individual info on Sheratons, Marriotts, etc when I travel for business so I don't make the same mistake again??

The best source for lodging ratings is the Zagat guide. I find it to be pretty accurate, however listings not all inclusive. The Mobil Travel guide is good source as well, though its rating system of 1-5 stars can only be used as an indicator. The 2 & 3 star places very a lot in quality. I travel a lot on business and am pretty savy when it comes to finding a good place at a fair price. Of the major chains, here's my general conclusions:
(I'm excluding the luxury category, Ritz Carlton, etc. as my expense account won't allow for it..)

Tier 1- EXPENSIVE In order of decending preference:
Hyatt, Marriott, Westin, Omni, Embassy Suites, Hilton, Sheraton, Wyndham, Radisson.

Tier 2- MODERATE Courtyard by Marriott,
Amerisuites, Windham Garden, Hampton.

Tier 3-BUDGET Fairfield by Marriott, LaQuinta

There are others, but these are the places I frequent and have found to be fairly consistent. When I make a reservation, I often ask how old the hotel is. Age is a big factor for me, or one that has gone through a recent renovation. Feel free to e-mail me for additional info!

Interesting, Emily, since we stayed at a Sheraton a few years ago that was an absolute pit. It was in San Antonio.

Of the recommendations above, we have found the LaQ's we've stayed at to be very, very pleasant properties.

I really think hotels/motels vary by the location. WE have stayed in many different ones and loved some and hated some. One Ritz Carlton was awful and one of the few hotels I have written to complain about. We have stayed at several Hamptons and Radisson's that we have really liked and been treated very well, as well as some Country Suites and Marriott Courtyards. It really does depend on the property and the managers and employees.

Dii, which Ritz did you stay at and what were the problems? Thanks