It's certainly easy enough for someone to post in the destinations forums, something like, 'does anyone have a hotel to suggest in X?' However, when there is already a list of individual chain sub forums and a sub forum for 'other chains' in that list, then presumably, it is quite simple(tech wise) to add another sub forum of 'non-chain/independent hotels' where someone interested specifically in non-chain hotels could post their questions. In fact, I would argue that in some respects it could be viewed as a glaring oversight. When a forum is named 'Places to Stay', should it not cover all possibilities? There is another sub forum for 'non-hotel' which covers Airbnb, B&B's etc. but nowhere that covers independent hotels at all. Why should that category be left out but all others have a place?

I'm not sure what you mean by saying it would be 'far too broad'. It is a sub-category, which by definition means it is the opposite of 'broad'. It gives posters a place to add a specific question on a specific sub-category and perhaps even more importantly, browse previous threads to see if anyone has suggested independent hotels in areas they plan to visit. Would you suggest it is easier for them to browse for independent hotels in the destination forums?

Regarding, 'works much better', I would ask how you come to that judgement? For someone to say that something 'works much better', they have to have tried both do they not? I would argue you are simply arguing against change as people so often do. It may be your opinion that the status quo would work better, but it certainly cannot be made as a statement of fact which is what you are doing.

I believe in the saying, 'when you are green you are growing, when you are ripe you rot.' Things that change and grow are always preferable to maintaining the status quo in other words. As far as I can see, it would cost the forum powers that be, pretty much nothing to add a sub forum. What do you see as there being to lose?