INNSTAR.COM
B&B Guidebook Review
The Bellhop Directory
http://www.bellhop.com
previously used www.innkeeper.ws, which is now called "Innkeeper Website" and has a slightly different presentation of the same data.

RATING: 3 INNSTARS
    Date last reviewed:
    1/22/2006
    Score: 62

Area Covered:
U.S.
Listing Type/Number:
States about 4600, of which about 900 have two or more pictures, some info, area map & attractions, link. Some show amenities. Remainder are basic contact. Includes motels, resorts, vacation rentals as well as B&Bs.
Type & Description:
Home page gives several search options. Search result is normally a list of inns with premium listings first, then others, by distance; 6 to a page.
  • Quick Search by entering city name and drop-down of state. Result is list of properties in city and immediate area with contact, link and minimal text. May access information about non-paying inns by becoming "Bellhop Traveler."
  • Keyword Search gives a text box for entering keyword from description and drop down of state. Result is all properties in state with that keyword, which may be an amenity. May only enter one keyword.
  • Region Search allows choice of regions after selecting a state. Region page does not show a map.
  • Specials provides US map; selecting state provides list of specials and sort by type or location options.
  • "Road Trip" allows entry of starting and ending point & average gas mileage, result is list of inns and attractions at stopping points and destination, plus estimated gas cost for trip.
  • Attractions search provides US map, select state for list of types of attractions. Select attraction type for list and nearby lodgings - but nearby lodging page did not work on date of review.
  • Amenities Search allows selecting from several amenities and activities, then city/state. When tested, gave a list of motels from ihsadvantage.com rather than known listing in city.
  • Price search and Inn Name search work much the same as "Attractions."
    Quality Assurance:
    Lists memberships on inn pages and provides link to association site to verify. Allows search to be limited to "Quality Assured Inns" and provides list of associations. Has "review stay" option, reviews accessible from Inn page.
    Other:
    Selecting "State Guide" provides a brochure request form (Many inns ignore brochure requests). Has availability calendar which resolves to availability request form for premium listings.
    • Innkeeper Info:
  • Promotion: Promotes guide only.
  • Rates: Premium listing is $79.95 (but may have specials). Sign up, update listing, pay online.
  • Contact: Use on-line form or admin@bellhop.com.
  • Comments: Some non-listed innkeepers find it annoying to get brochure requests or info requests that have no contact info.
    Web Presence Evaluation:
  • Not among the guides evaluated by Inntelligent.com.
  • Google® page rank of home page: 5/10.
  • My B&B Results:
    • Not listed
    • Ratings Summary (see criteria for details)
    A (of 20) - 9
    B (of 20) - 19
    C (of 30) - 21
    D (of 10) - 8
    E (of 5) - 3
    F (of 10) - 1
    G (of 5) - 1
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