Thank you for your insights, like to use Google Maps if you need a place near a location - or just use the location refinement, neighborhood search or the built-in map in your favorite booking engine.

Many seem to like the ranking method of Hotels.com - though it is not clear by what algorithm they use to rank their hotels.

By the way from the 2 ranking they offer which do you prefer?
Hotels.com - sort by "Recommended"
Hotels.com - sort by "Guest rating"