Given your budget and your overall vibe for your event, you should have a good idea of what kind of property you are able to afford.  Of course, you’re going for the most bang for your buck.  Is there a minimum rating requirement (i.e. AAA or Mobil ratings?)  Depending on the popularity of the location you choose there may be several great choices.  Also, do you have a particular brand of property that you prefer?  Like many products, you should find consistency among brands (e.g. Marriott, Westin, etc.) so you know what to expect.

Once you’ve narrowed down the choices by location and rating, you can visit each properties websites, or have the properties send information to you directly.  The pictures and presentations can be great—but don’t underestimate the value of a personal site visit.  Although there is really no substitute for personal site visit, oftentimes it’s just not feasibleand you’ll have to commit to a property based on your own research and any recommendations you can find.  Don’t be afraid to ask hotels for recommendations or referrals—preferably from companies similar to yours both in size and industry.