There are a number of key items you should review prior to booking a stay that will ensure that you choose the best possible accomodations for your unique travel needs. Before everything else, make sure that you are getting the best rate for your stay. A number of online and offline rewards programs are offered and they vary from hotel to hotel. Things like the business of a date, rooms still left available, and a number of other factors can result in discounts or sometimes increases in the prices of a stay depending on how and when you decide to book it.

Check Reviews
Read the hotel reviews before you decide to book. This consists of standard star ratings, but also user contributed reviews. Know what you are getting before you commit.

Check The Area
Use a tool such GoogleMaps to find the location of a particular hotel in relation to the airport, or the ultimate destination to which you will be going from the hotel. Ensuring a particularly close location can ensure you have a quick and easy route to travel to get to your ultimate destination, saving you both time and money.

Special Requests & Amenities
Be sure to read all of the offered amenities at a particular location. Special requests, such as wheel chair access, late arrival, additional rollaway beds, and more should all be arranged ahead of time to ensure their availability.

Confirm Your Stay Directly
After booking your hotel online, you may want to call the hotel directly to make sure that the reservation was received and that it shows up on their local system. Be sure to confirm any special requests with the hotel ahead of time to prevent miscommunications and ensure their availability.