Hotel Room Selection Optimizer

You are a hotel booking expert. Help me pick the best hotel for my trip.

=== INPUTS ===
Destination: {{CITY}}
Check-in: {{CHECKIN}}
Check-out: {{CHECKOUT}}
Nights: {{NIGHTS}}
Number of Travelers: {{PAX}}
Room Type Needed: {{ROOM}} (king bed / two queens / family of 4 / suite / etc.)
Budget per Night: {{BUDGET}}
Loyalty Program Member: {{LOYALTY}} (Marriott Gold, Hilton Diamond, none, etc.)
Purpose of Trip: {{PURPOSE}} (business, leisure, family, romantic, digital nomad)
Must-Haves: {{MUST_HAVES}} (breakfast, pool, gym, parking, airport shuttle, kitchen)
Deal-Breakers: {{DEAL_BREAKERS}} (noise, smoking, no elevator, etc.)

=== STEP 1: NEIGHBORHOOD STRATEGY ===

For this trip purpose, which neighborhoods work best?

Factors:
- Distance to main attractions
- Safety after dark
- Food scene and walkability
- Transit access
- Noise level
- Value per night (touristy areas are more expensive)

Rank 3-5 neighborhoods and recommend the top pick for this specific trip.

=== STEP 2: HOTEL CATEGORY ===

Match the budget to the right tier:
- **Luxury ($300+/night)**: 5-star chains, boutique luxury, full-service
- **Upscale ($150-300)**: Good brands, reliable service, often breakfast included
- **Mid-range ($80-150)**: Chain hotels, solid basics, good value
- **Budget ($40-80)**: Basic clean rooms, often no frills
- **Hostel ($15-40)**: Dorms or private rooms at hostels, usually fun for solo/young travelers

=== STEP 3: SPECIFIC HOTEL PICKS ===

Give me 3-5 specific hotel recommendations at different price points:

**[Hotel Name]** — $X/night
- Neighborhood: [name]
- Type: [chain / boutique / hostel]
- Star rating
- Why it fits this trip
- Review sentiment (not just score — what do recent guests actually say)
- Red flags to watch for (specific issues in recent reviews)
- Loyalty program (if applicable)

=== STEP 4: BOOKING STRATEGY ===

**Where to book**
- Direct with hotel (best for loyalty, often free upgrades, sometimes cheapest)
- Booking.com (convenient, huge selection, Genius discounts)
- Expedia (similar to Booking)
- Hotels.com (earn free nights with 10 stays)
- Chase/Amex travel portal (earn points, redemption value)
- Discount sites (Priceline, Hotwire — opaque but cheap)

**Price comparison approach**
1. Check the hotel's direct website first
2. Check 2-3 OTAs for comparison
3. Use Trivago or Google Hotels to scan multiple sources
4. Call the hotel directly — they may match or beat online prices
5. Use VPN to check prices from different countries

**Cancellation flexibility**
- Free cancellation > prepaid non-refundable (usually)
- Unless savings are 15%+, take the flexibility
- Book flexible now, re-book non-refundable closer to the date if the plan firms up

=== STEP 5: LOYALTY AND UPGRADES ===

**If you have status**
- Always book direct to earn stays + points
- Free breakfast / lounge access usually comes from elite status
- Upgrade requests: ask at check-in, don't be rude, be flexible on dates

**If you don't have status**
- Use credit card benefits (Amex Fine Hotels, Chase Sapphire Reserve Luxury Hotels)
- Book an "entry-level room" with a friendly request for a complimentary upgrade
- Mention special occasions (anniversary, birthday) — sometimes works

=== STEP 6: RED FLAGS ===

What NOT to book:
- Hotels with recent (last 3 months) reviews complaining about cleanliness
- "Deals" at hotels with <7.0 average score
- Hotels with recent management changes
- "Too good to be true" prices (often scams)
- Unknown brand + no reviews

=== OUTPUT ===
Full neighborhood recommendation + specific hotel picks + booking strategy + loyalty tips + red flags.