Most people have at some point had an unfortunate experience with a hotel. Maybe the room was dirty, or smelled like smoke, or had mysterious stains on the furniture. Having to spend a night in such a place can really put a damper on your vacation. To avoid this fate, use the following tips.

Do some research on travel websites before you book any hotel. These sites will allow you to see previous guests’ experiences at the hotels you are considering. What people say about their experiences at the hotels you’re thinking of booking can aid you in coming to the right decision.

Prior to beginning a hotel search, try thinking about what accommodations you want and can afford. Figure out if the hotel’s location is more important than its price or if you limited to hotels under a certain price range. Also consider whether you need one that has items like spas and fitness centers or just a beautiful view.

When traveling with a pet, your choices of hotels will be limited. Once you find a hotel that is pet friendly, find out what the policies are with regard to pets. Most hotels charge an extra fee for pets, and they may have designated areas in which to walk your pet. Be sure you know the particulars ahead of time to avoid potential problems later.

There are three things you must do before bringing your pet along on your vacation. Be sure that the hotel really does allow pets. Also, take a good supply of plastic bags, such as grocery bags, to clean up after your pet. Finally, ask the hotel staff if you can have a room on the far end away from guests so that you don’t interfere with their visit.

When traveling with small children, try to choose a hotel that caters to them. Most hotels offer cribs. Some have playgrounds and/or pools to help keep your kids entertained. Some even offer or children’s programs during the day or babysitters at night. Many hotels do not charge extra for children under a certain age to stay in the same room with their parents.

To get a workout without leaving your hotel room, take your suspension training gear along. Most systems fit into a bag that doesn’t weigh more than three or four pounds, and all you need is a door frame to attach the system to. You can get a solid strength training workout by using your body weight to provide resistance.

There are websites available that offer you an instant discount if the hotel you have booked decreases in price before your stay. You may end up with a good amount of money back in your pocket. The best thing about this type of site is that the opposite does not apply. If the rates increase, you will only have to pay the amount you were originally quoted.

Pay attention to your security when you stay at a hotel. Make note of the fire exits and locations of fire extinguishers. Keep your door locked, and keep your key or key card in a safe place. Stash any valuables in the hotel safe. Consider bringing a flashlight along and keeping it by your bed in case you need it during the night.

Being a member of AAA can save you money on hotels. The discounts at many hotel chains and deals on car rentals can more than pay for the AAA membership fees. In addition, parents may enjoy the benefit of having free car seats provided.

If you have a little one with you, remember that hotel rooms aren’t usually set up for babies. Don’t forget to pack a few things so that you can baby proof the space. For example, an outlet cover is small but it plays a big role in keeping your child safe.

To avoid spending $2 or $3 each time you want a soda at a hotel, throw a six- or twelve-pack into the car when you head out on the road. For almost as much money as that one soda, you can have a dozen of them chilling on ice in the room, or in the mini-fridge.

There are many hidden fees that can substantially increase the cost of your hotel stay. For example, many hotels deliver a newspaper outside of your room and charge you for it. To ensure you are not charged for any unwanted items carefully read the contract before signing for your hotel room.

If you plan to use the telephone provided in your hotel room, know what to expect as far as charges. Some hotels offer free local calls, but others charge for each call. In addition to any long distance charges, the hotel usually adds an extra fee. Use your cell phone to make calls from your hotel room when possible.

To ensure that you don’t leave anything behind when you are checking out of a hotel, make a sweep through the room after you’ve packed your bags. Open every drawer, check down on the floor by each bed, and check every outlet to make sure that you haven’t left any chargers plugged in.

Many hotel chains offer reward programs to guests who stay there frequently. You can often earn credit for free rooms if you stay at a particular chain enough times. When you book a hotel, ask if they have such a program. If there is no cost to join, signing up is worth it.

Don’t just check one hotel deal website, check many of them. Each one may have different deals available to them. You could be missing out if you skip overt this little additional research. Keep each open in different browser windows so that you can compare and contrast as you do your work.

Nothing casts a pall over a vacation like having to stay in a hotel that seems like something out of a horror movie. However, finding the perfect vacation for your next trip can seem impossible at times. With the right advice, doing so becomes a lot easier. Use the tips you have read here to find a great hotel.