I'm assuming most here are already familiar with google's new satellite maps. I've found them useful in trying to select a beach hotel for a trip to Florida in a few weeks. The satellite image is ALOT better than a standard map in 2 regards:

1. It allows you to see whether the hotel is truly on the beach or simply near the beach
2. It gives you some indication as to whether the beach is nice or nasty.

Here's a link to a couple showing how you can really see the difference in quality of location and beach:

http://maps.google.com/maps?q=3435+N...7918&t=k&hl=en

http://maps.google.com/maps?q=400+So...7918&t=k&hl=en