When you are going on a family vacation, making a hotel reservation is an important part of the planning process. However, it is all too easy to end up choosing a shabby hotel that overcharges you. Use the following tips to make sure that you choose a great hotel at a good rate.

Online travel sites like Orbitz and Expedia can help you find the lowest rates on hotel rooms. If you are a member of a hotel loyalty program, make sure to indicate this when searching for rates. You may also be eligible for deals that are offered to members of certain organizations, like AAA or AARP.

Be sure to keep your valuables and electronics secure by locking them in your hotel room’s safe. Place your iPad, GPS and other small electronics in the safe when you are not in your room.

Spend some time reading online reviews of hotels left by real customers before you make a reservation. These reviews are often your best source of information, since they are written by people who have actually stayed at the hotel. Be sure to pay attention to the most recent reviews, since the hotel may have already addressed older complaints.

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.

When traveling with children, be sure the hotels you choose offer features the kids will enjoy. A playground on site is very helpful. A pool with plenty of shallow area and/or a kiddie pool will provide great play time. Also check to see if the hotel you are interested in offers a child care service.

Be sure you inspect the room you are given at check in before you start unpacking. Is it clean and free of mold and mildew? Do the sink, shower, and toilet all work properly? Do you have the blankets, pillows and towels you need? If you spot any problems, make the front desk aware immediately so they can take care of it or move you to a room that meets your needs.

If you wish to include amenities such as massage while staying at a hotel, be sure to make your reservations in advance. The best professionals are often in high demand, so get in while you can.

If there’s a hotel chain you stay at often, check out their membership programs for frequent guests. They work a lot like frequent flier miles do with airlines. You earn points in a similar way. They add up to free nights, discounts at hotel restaurants, show tickets, spa deals and a whole lot more.

It is not a good idea to place the “maid service needed” sign on your door at a hotel. This is a dead giveaway that you are not in the room. It can attract people who want to steal your valuables. It is better to notify the desk when you need maid service than to leave out the sign.

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.

Always avoid making long distance calls from your hotel room. Use the Internet, instead. Skype connections are available in many hotels these days using Wi-Fi. This will help you converse with those back home without racking up a lofty bill.

Book your hotel room as far in advance as possible. You will be surprised at how quickly hotels fill up, especially in smaller towns with few hotels. If you wait until last minute, there is a good chance you may not even be able to book a room. So, be sure to reserve your room as soon as you know you need one!

When staying in a hotel room, are you sometimes concerned with the safety and security of your room? For less than $3 dollars you can alleviate these fears. Purchase a rubber doorstop and always pack it with your other essentials when traveling. It is simple to use and is highly effective. Simply wedge the doorstop under the inside of the door. Combined with the door’s deadlock, no one stands a chance of coming through your door uninvited.

Nothing can ruin a family vacation more quickly than a stay in a dirty, grimy hotel. You want your family to remember the good times about the trip, not the disgusting hotel room that you had to stay in. Remember the advice you have read here to make the right hotel reservation.