The hotel where you stay can be paradise or a very expensive nightmare. Considering how expensive it is these days to stay in a hotel, it’s vital you know what you need to look out for and what you need to avoid before you make a reservation. So following is some advice to assist you in obtaining a good room at a fair price.

You can enjoy a romantic dinner in your room by calling room service. Sure, it might cost a bit more, but it is completely worth it to be able to kick back and relax, while your food comes to you.

Make sure you check with any organizations of which you are a member. Many clubs, groups and organizations are able to get members discounted hotel rates. It is easy to forget about the discounts. When you’re staying for more than one night, this can add up to a decent savings. It can add up to almost a free hotel night!

Verify the check-in time at the hotel. Some people end up waiting for their room to be available because they forget to check this critical detail. If you’re going to come to the hotel before you should be checking in, call them first to see if there’s anything they can do for you.

Do not assume that each hotel welcomes pets. Call the hotel in advance to ensure the hotel is pet friendly. Find out what their rules on pets are also, as they may not let large pets or certain breeds stay with them.

If you belong to the AAA, see what kinds of discounts the hotel offers. Many people are surprised to see hotel discounts included with their auto club membership. You can save up to an additional five percent at certain hotels throughout the country. This can add up on a long trip.

If you enjoy a morning run, try booking a hotel room that’s near the beach or an open park. Try enjoying an early jog at your new destination. This can be a great way to stay in shape while seeing some of the local scenery. Even if you stick to city streets, you will gain a better perspective on your destination city before you leave.

If you do a great deal of traveling, consider joining hotel chain loyalty programs. When you do, you get points every time you stay at a hotel.

Car Rental

Become a AAA member if you want to make arranging hotel accommodations a bit simpler. AAA offers their members good discounts on hotels, car rental and other aspects of travel. Many car rental agencies add perks, such as a child car seat at no charge, for AAA members.

Making a long distance call from a hotel room should be avoided. Use your cell phone or the Internet. Many hotels now offer Skype connections via Wi-Fi. Use these connections to keep in touch instead of costly long distance calls.

If you want your family to have a happy stay, call the hotel ahead and ensure that their swimming pools are available and in good working order. Your kids and you will be very frustrated if the pool at your hotel is closed because of repairs when you arrive.

When checking your hotel accommodations for bed bugs, begin in the bathroom. This is the place least likely to have bedbugs. This makes the perfect location to place your belongings while you inspect your hotel room for bedbugs. Kids and pets can stay there as well.

Always ask about the hotel’s smoking policy if you smoke. Many have designated rooms for smokers. If they do, ask for this type of room. Otherwise, you might find yourself paying a high fee for smoking in a room that is designated as non-smoking.

See what the pet policy is at the hotel. If you’re terrified pets or are allergic to them, it may be best to make reservations at hotels that have a strict no pets policy. These hotels sometimes have odors because the carpet and linens have absorbed them. Some hotels charge a nominal fee for pets, while others charge substantially more. It might not be adequate to the cost of cleaning demands.

In most cases, an early check-in just isn’t possible. Plan your trip right or you might end up waiting in a hotel lobby. The room needs to be cleaned after the last guest leaves. You can see if your room is ready should you arrive early. However, do not count on it.

If you will be in need of a roll-away bed or a crib, be sure to let the hotel management know in advance. Some hotels do not offer cribs or rollaways; while others have a limited number of them. Hotels also charge extra for these items, sometimes. Make your needs known at the time you place your reservation so that you do not have any unpleasant surprises.

You probably should avoid using the hotel’s bedspread for hygienic reasons. Your sheets should be fresh and clean but the bedspread is not washed after each guest. It can carry a lot of germs. Pull it off for peace of mind.

Don’t decide you need new linens as you are sitting in your hotel room. Housekeeping keeps track of linens. If you just fall in love with the towels or pillows, ask if you can buy them directly from the front desk of the hotel.

A bit of research goes a long way in reserving a hotel. You need to what you should be looking for and when the best time is to book. So keep the tips from above in mind and you will be sure to find a hotel that is perfect for your needs.