Every year, tons of people book their dream vacations. For some, the vacation goes as planned, and a good time is had by all. For others, however, what should be a pleasurable time is ruined simply because they picked the wrong hotel. Don’t let that happen to you. You can prevent it by applying the tips you find below.

Check for online reviews before making any reservations. You will be able to see the most recent reviews. What former guests have to say with regards to a hotel being considered can ensure you make an informed decision.

To keep your drinking water clean in a hotel room, rinse out your drinking glasses, even if there is a paper cover or a plastic wrapping around it. Dust and debris from the plastic can settle in the glass, leading to an unpleasant first sip. Taking the time to rinse it out will make your experience better.

If you are a member of a frequent flyer program or travel a lot, try joining a hotel loyalty program. You can earn points and use them toward your upcoming stays. You can also gain airline miles if the hotel is a partner of a frequent flier program. Check the airline or hotel website to see what you’re qualified for.

One way to save money when traveling is to search for a hotel that offers a free continental breakfast. This can save you a lot of money if you are staying for a week. Many of the top hotel chains offer large continental breakfasts consisting of breakfast meats, pastries and drinks.

Do not always assume that staying on the club floor of a hotel is a great way to waste money. While you may have to pay for this upgrade, you will end up saving more money in the end. This is because things like drinks, appetizers and free breakfast are part of the deal, and these things are very expensive when purchased separately.

If you want to save some serious money on your hotel reservations, get the price bundled with something else. This is typically done through an online travel site. When bundled with airfare, hotel room rates drop dramatically, sometimes by over half the list rates that are publicly advertised elsewhere on the Internet.

If you’re training for a marathon and have a weeklong business trip planned, there’s no reason to let your running slip. Look online for local running groups in the city where you are going to stay, and join them for their social runs. If there aren’t many groups, look for local running stores, as they also offer social jogs.

If you often frequent the same hotel chains, look into their frequent stay membership programs. They provide you with points for every stay. These points can be used to earn free nights, discounts and more.

If you forget to bring toiletries with you, the housekeeping staff at the hotel may be able to help. Most hotels provide soap, shampoo and conditioner as a matter of course, but they may also have toothbrushes, toothpaste, combs, razors and other necessary items on hand for those who request them. Many even supply hair dryers in the room, so you do not have to bring your own along.

Be aware of your surroundings in a hotel to stay safe. Don’t open the door without knowing who is behind it. Use the peephole. Hotel residents are especially vulnerable to theft. Check in with the front desk if there are any deliveries to your door and keep the door locked even when inside.

If possible, try to stay in a hotel during the off-season. Most hotels know how desperate people are to find a room during the travel season. They tend to jack up their prices because they know people are willing to pay for the room. If you go during the off-season, you will get big discounts!

Some people choose not to use the bedspreads provided by the hotel staff for hygienic reasons. The bedspread is one item that does not usually get washed between bookings. It can carry a lot of germs. Just make sure you remove the bedspread.

To ensure that you get the very best out of your hotel stay, check the online reviews, not just for the brand but for your particular location. Within a brand, there can be significant variances in terms lf quality. Make sure that your stay is as satisfying as possible by researching your room.

Make sure the hotel you choose has friendly staff. Nothing can ruin a hotel stay faster than rude staff members. They need to be accommodating and welcoming. Try looking at some reviews online for the hotel you want. This can help you see how other travelers felt about the staff of a hotel. Their comments can help you decide between hotels for your trip.

Now that you have read this piece, you are much more likely to book great accommodations. Remember to apply these tips as you look for your hotel. You will have a great time on your vacation without having to worry about where you are going to stay. It will be great!