Many options exist when booking travel accommodations, from shady motels to five star hotels on the strip. Picking a good hotel helps make your trip memorable in a good way, but a bad hotel choice does exactly the opposite. Read on for help in finding a great hotel.

Save money

To save money on a minibar or vending machine at a hotel, pack a cooler before you start out on your trip, and throw in some six-packs of soda or beer and a bottle of wine. When you get to the hotel, if you have a small fridge, you are all ready. If there isn’t a fridge, use the ice machine and your cooler to keep things chilled.

To keep your family active and engaged when you are in a hotel far from home, talk to the concierge when you check in to get a list of nearby attractions. At the end of each day, sit down and map out a plan for the next morning. This gives you more vacation time and less time sitting in front of a television waiting to decide what to do.

Consider taking advantage of room service when the urge strikes for a late-night snack with your special someone. Even though this will cost a bit more, the convenience and comfort are worth it.

Keep drinking water clean

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.

Most folks don’t put enough time into finding a good hotel, and they wind up regretting taking the very first reservation. However, this haphazard way of booking can result in an unpleasant experience. Use the tips here to find the best deals on great rooms.