Top 3 Hotel Website Designs of 2006

Friday, January 5. 2007

Here are the Top 3 Hotel Website Designs of 2006. This my own personal opinion - so no voting, or judging panel that is respnsible for this Top 3 Hotel Website Desgin List of 2006.

My three winners have all something very unique about their design that I believe stands out from all the other hotel websites that I have come across in 2006. I focused my results on the level of high impact or value the initial homepage experience was able to create. I believe in the power of first impressions, and if users are not wowed right from the start, many times they are not compelled to explore the site any deeper. If you think of other outstanding sites that should have been included, and are potential worthy "Top 3 Hotel Website Designs", please add them below.

Number 1: Best use of "User-Generated Content Design Integration": Sheraton.com

Even if I think that some parts of the strategy should be modified and that there are some usability issues to fix, Sheraton, with its all new Web approach (http://www.starwoodhotels.com/sheraton/index.html) giving a place to customers to describe their experiences in the Sheraton hotels, understood that the Web is now ready to let visitors create and publish contents. Sheraton decided to give a big place to their customers in their new Web strategy. I applaud this bold iniative.

Number 2: Best use of "Multi-Media Experience Creation": MGMGrand.com

MGM Grand, Las Vegas, launched their new website (http://www.mgmgrand.com) in 2006. In terms of Search Engine Optimization and usability, it is not perfect… but WOW what a nice intro video! Take a look a this nice job done by some creative guys from Montreal. Also, MGM Grand (the hotel company) is one of the first that has made RSS feeds available for all their properties.

Number 3: Best use of "Navigation Design": OneAndOnlyResorts.com

One & Only Resorts (http://www.oneandonlyresorts.com) has come up with an innovative approach to navigating the site by using navigation clouds that are generated customized for each individual property. One&Only has also understood that users don't read on the web, but get inspired by high impact imagery and multi-media - while staying consistent with the brand. Granted, usability is not perfect, and there are some search engine optimization issues, however I appreciate the refreshing approach to navigating the site and getting inspired.

Posted by Jens Thraenhart in Websites at 23:00 | Comment (1) | Trackbacks (0)

Trackbacks

Trackback specific URI for this entry

No Trackbacks

Comments

Display comments as (Linear | Threaded)

hello jens, after retiring from eye surgery (multiple sclerosis) i bought a 50-room inn in the colorado mountains. great fun recreating -- i still am able to bike alot -- and fun creating ambiance and an online presence www.waterwheelinnatgunnison.com. in the two years we have held it, the online and offline efforts have nearly doubled the revenue. such a fun 'rubic's cube' to manipulate. meanwhile i have considered creating a blog focussing on the destination activities, fishing, biking, art, heritage etc., and have enlisted many local experts, e.g. former olympic cyclists, fishing guides, etc. who would be willing to participate. many engaging postings would help visitors prepare for their visit. i read many authors suggesting a blog of this type. yet, i am completely inexperienced and have not found a similar example. any ideas? sorry to bother. like your ideas. perhaps you can help. and,consider coming to gunnison colorado and stay with me... for free.

Comment (1)

#1 jim valenzuela md on 2008-04-26 13:00 (Reply)

Add Comment

Name
Email
Homepage
In reply to
Comment	Standard emoticons like :-) and ;-) are converted to images. E-Mail addresses will not be displayed and will only be used for E-Mail notifications To prevent automated Bots from commentspamming, please enter the string you see in the image below in the appropriate input box. Your comment will only be submitted if the strings match. Please ensure that your browser supports and accepts cookies, or your comment cannot be verified correctly. Enter the string from the spam-prevention image above:
	Remember Information? Subscribe to this entry