When you are planning to travel, whether it is for a family vacation or a business trip, a hotel reservation needs to be made. However, this is not a decision that should be made hastily. Choosing the right hotel is important if you want to really enjoy your trip. Keep reading for some good advice on doing so.

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.

Consider ordering room service if you want a special meal without needing to go out. While it may cost a little extra, it is worth it if you can stay in your comfortable room as you satisfy your cravings.

Try using price comparison sites online to find a hotel when you're on a budget. Websites like Priceline, Travelocity, Expedia, and the like can help you see all kinds of hotels in different locations. You can narrow down your searches to specific price ranges and compare them to each other.

Part of trip planning is knowing what time check-in is at your hotel. Many hotel guests will forget their check-in time; therefore, they will arrive at the hotel just to discover that they cannot check in yet. If you might be arriving before the check-in time, ask the hotel whether it's okay to come.

If you just make a reservation at the first hotel that you find, you could end up having to stay in a real dump. Don't ruin your vacation by staying in a cut-rate, run-down hotel. Instead, take some time to find a great hotel by making good use of these tips.