HotelChatter

Of the four results that came up in that category—a Hyatt Place, a Courtyard by Marriott, a Sheraton and an independent known as The Historic Hotel Congress—only the latter could really qualify for its category. And even at that, it's a bit of a stretch.

We see how the use of categories could potentially be useful to people (like us) browsing hotels in a city they've never visited before. But they're helpful in the way that supermarket aisles are helpful: yes, they're labeled but they don't necessarily make sense or help you find what you're looking for faster.

Other categories on the site include "luxury," which suggested Westin La Paloma, Loews Ventana Canyon and Omni Tucson National Resort, among others. Two strikes there, but then again the line between "luxury" and plain old resort is admittedly a blurry one.

And that's exactly the problem: TripAdvisor's categories are too subjective. Who's to say what's trendy or romantic or luxurious, and what's not? Sure, one couple could have a very romantic weekend at the Westin La Paloma (ranking #3 in that category), but another couple could have just as romantic a time in a Best Western.

What about you: do you pay attention to these categories? Or do you simply look at prices and volume of reviews per hotel? Or the amenities each hotel offers? Share your thoughts in the comments below!