If you are considering a hotel or resort as the location for your workshop or seminar, take my advice -- spend a night at the hotel first!

When you spend a night as a guest you will experience firsthand what your workshop attendees will also experience. You'll get a good idea if the location is going to add to the quality of your event or detract from it.

By spending at least one night, you'll learn whether the beds are comfortable, the air conditioning is too loud, the walls are too thin, quality dining is available, and whether other recreation is available nearby.

I've been reminded of this by the hotel Sonya and I experienced this week. Prior to checking in, we considered hosting a workshop at this waterfront hotel. But now that we've spent two days there, I would be embarrassed to have my guests stay at this place. The service was amazingly bad, the restaurant overpriced and the meals mediocre. The advertised high speed internet connection was non-existent.

Had I not actually slept there, I might have made a big mistake. But now I know.

So before you select a hotel or resort for your next workshop, check it out by spending the night.