Value for money, child-friendliness, location, hospitality and whether pets are accepted are just some of the criteria considered in each hotel review. The guide includes hotels in 17 continental countries. Phone, fax, e-mail and website details are listed where applicable along with facilities, opening times and the cost of rooms at the time of printing. At the back of the book there are basic black and white maps. If you are travelling to one of the hotels listed you'd by advised to take with you a more detailed colour map. The guide contains opinions sent in by devotees which make for informative and fun reading. Take a review of a hotel in Aigues-Mortes in France: "Aigues-Mortes is a living, active town with enough bloodthirsty history to keep the children interested. My seven-year-old liked the places for tipping boiling oil on to attackers".

As with its sister publication, The Good Pub Guide 2000, the continental Europe hotel guide is independent and no freebies change hands for a hotel to appear in it. However, for those who are tempted by the hotels listed the book includes discounted vouchers for 25 per cent off the B&B price at selected hotels. Whether you are travelling for business or pleasure, if you are tired of corporate uniformity, pack this guide in your suitcase. --Anna Hornsey