If you follow these suggestions before bedding down at a hotel, you may be able to sleep a little easier.

If you follow these suggestions when dealing with hotels, you may avoid later mishaps and headaches.

• When you make a reservation, ask about the following:
  • required deposits
  • the hotel's refund policy if you must cancel
  • whether the hotel has an early check-out penalty for leaving before the final date of your reservation
  • possible discounts (such as corporate or off-season)
  • extra fees or charges (such as parking, local taxes and telephone surcharges)
  • the check-in and check-out times -- and whether you can check in early or check out late, or leave your luggage behind the desk for a few hours before check-in or after check-out 
  • whether you must arrive by a certain time to be guaranteed a room
  • amenities, such as a pool, tennis courts and exercise facilities
  • programs for children and the availability of child care, and
  • complimentary meals.
  
  
• If one hotel is offering substantial discounts compared to others in the area, do a little investigation (perhaps the hotel is being renovated). Sometimes a "great deal" isn't.
  
  
• When you make a reservation, specify exactly the type of room you want (nonsmoking, with two double beds, a private bath and a view of the ocean) and when you want it. If you are sensitive to noise, ask for a room far from the elevator and ice machines, and not overlooking the main street or the dumpsters.
  
  
• Get a written confirmation of your reservation with as many of the above details as possible (as well as the total price) included. If you will be traveling soon after you make your reservation, request a confirmation number, or better yet, ask for confirmation by fax or email. 
  
  
• If you are traveling to an area for the first time, ask about the hotel's location (how far to the beach?) and safety concerns (is it a high crime area?), as well as its general attributes, such as size, age, traffic noise and garage. The more information you have, the better decision you can make. Travel guides often give good information on hotel rooms; travel brochures, however, are often misleading.