I travel abroad approximately every 6 weeks and would never consider booking with a travel agent any destination anywhere near where Aer Lingus/Ryanair or similar airlines have regular scheduled flights to. Most hotel websites can give you great pictures, overview, maps for location and other travellers opinions on specific hotels. You can use Tripadvisors forum for getting info from locals on public transport, best locations to stay etc. Remember travel agents charge per person on room usage whereas if you book with the hotel you are charged on a per room basis.