I'm currently based in HK/South China and as most in my position- I end up traveling often.

There are lots of great discussions/reviews on different hotels in Asia but not one that is specific to listing hotels that should be avoided. I'm not super picky about where I stay but I also understand how a bad experience at a hotel can make or break your trip.

I myself have a few I'd like to begin with:

1. Sheraton Mustika, Yogyakarta- very poor customer service, very poor hygene, hotel in poor condition (recent visit and would be happy to elaborate for anyone interested in hearing more).

2. Banyan Tree, Bali- terrible food, dirty beach (visited about a year ago and was just an awful experience from start to finish).

3. Le Meridien, Phuket- very poor customer service, bad location

4. San Want Hotel, Shanghai- poor location, awful food, housekeeping stole my perscription medicince! (ha, this was actually about 2 years ago but will never forget that one).

I have found that reading reviews on TripAdvisor is a good way to get a feel of a place.

IMO, "awful food" is not a valid reason to avoid a hotel. Cockroaches, rusty razorblades in the bathroom, doors that do not lock, staff fighting with guests are more valid. I have experienced them all and only the place where the staff was fighting with other guests I wrote a "avoid this place" review on TripAdvisor (it was basically a scam hotel that I got scammed into staying at).

Le Meridien Phuket in a bad location ?

Its actually one of the best located resort on the island, however I believe you hardly know the island.