The an hotel vs a hotel is one that editorial conferences have gone round and round on ad nauseum. The "An" and "A" sides equally adamant. The Editor's preference won, every time. Ours is not to reason why but to follow the Editor even if he/she flies out the window.
I have to have to agree with shanks yet again. One exception being an herb which I pronounce as an 'erb.
An Herb sounds like an nice person, but would you want her at your garden party?