I have stopped looking at trip adviser as it makes me cross. Many of the posters appear to have never been anywhere and therefore think that in-room toiletries are a novelty and any form of service is an Ohmigod experience.

I listen to FT, but I often disagree. I think that you have to set your own personal criteria, which of course takes into account your cultural background and expectations. What excites a European would not necessarily excite a North American, and vice versa.

I always look at hotel websites but aim off like crazy as of course the photos show the property in its best light, or even show it in a way that no guest ever gets to see!

I read all the high-end travel glossies and newsletters as background and I talk to friends who have an in-depth knowledge of a country.

Despite all that desk research, I still manage to get it wrong sometimes.