Staying in a hotel can be such an enjoyable experience. But your excitement about your trip can quickly sour if you are stuck with a substandard room. So doing research to find the right hotel can make or break your trip. The tips below can help you easily find a great hotel, along with saving to make you even happier.

To minimize your travel expenses when you are staying near a resort area like Walt Disney World, choose a hotel that offers a complimentary shuttle to nearby attractions. In this sort of area, you shouldn’t need to rent a car. Instead, use a cab to get to your hotel and then use the shuttle to enjoy the fun.

To ensure that you get the best service from the custodial staff at a hotel, leave a few dollars each morning for each bed that you use. This nominal cost will help you get rooms that receive the little extras, such as a towel or two more, or even an extra pillow.

If you’ve left amenities at home, ask the front desk. Often you won’t need to go out to buy things like toothpaste and toothbrushes. The front desk typically has the staples available to customers at no cost whatsoever. Sure it’s only a few dollars saved, but every dollar counts.

One way to save money when traveling is to search for a hotel that offers a free continental breakfast. This can save you a lot of money if you are staying for a week. Many of the top hotel chains offer large continental breakfasts consisting of breakfast meats, pastries and drinks.

Look for deals online. Usually, when you try to book a room over the phone, the clerk will not let you know that there is a better deal online. That’s why doing a bit of research pays off, so you are aware of discounts and specials. Review the different websites, such as Jetsetter or SniqueAway.

If you are interested in “going green” when traveling, try going to a “green” hotel. Start by looking for these hotels online. There are several organizations that let you search for these hotels easily like Green Hotels Association and Green Globe. They will have a comprehensive list of green hotels in different locations.

Don’t assume a hotel is pet-friendly. Always call to ask, even if it says pet-friendly online. Get the term “pet-friendly” defined, as well. The hotel may not allow large dogs or certain types of pets.

It can be hard to know how to select good hotels. Joining a travel club can be a very smart choice if you do a lot of traveling. Your travel club will provide you with hotel guide materials. Representatives can answer your questions, help you choose hotels and even help you plan and book your reservations.

When traveling with small children, try to choose a hotel that caters to them. Most hotels offer cribs. Some have playgrounds and/or pools to help keep your kids entertained. Some even offer or children’s programs during the day or babysitters at night. Many hotels do not charge extra for children under a certain age to stay in the same room with their parents.

To enjoy a tropical destination a bit more quietly, stay away from the large, all-inclusive resorts that bring in quantity but also feature nonstop partying. Instead, choose a smaller resort that also offers shuttles to the major local attractions. You’ll have a stay that is more on your terms, especially when it’s time to sit out on your patio in the quiet of the night.

Part of staying in a hotel is the relaxing and comfortable feel to your hotel room. You want it to be enjoyable and inviting. So remember all that you learned above when booking your next hotel room. Doing a bit of research and planning beforehand will help you stay more enjoyable and satisfying.