• A basic must for choosing a hotel? Cleanliness.luggage in hotel room image by Albert Lozano from Fotolia.com
  
  Creating an itinerary for an upcoming trip requires some planning. Selecting appropriate lodging is, obviously, one of your top tasks. Most people choose to stay in hotels.
  
  There are all types of hotels. Some are geared toward business professionals, while others are designed for luxury travelers. Still other hotels focus on family-friendly features or travelers with tight budgets. Therefore, it is a good idea to identify the factors that will help you select the best hotel option for your trip.
  
  

Budget

• First things first -- you have to know what you can afford and how much you want to spend. Travel costs can add up, and the smart traveler knows how to find a good hotel deal for without sacrificing comfort and cleanliness. You may want to look at hotel discount sites or speak to a travel agent prior to booking your trip. You should also see if you are eligible for any discounts, such as those often offered by AAA and AARP (or even through your employer). Don't forget to factor in taxes and other room charges and gratuities, if applicable.
  
  Some travelers spend a great deal of time in their hotel rooms. If this is your situation, you may want to spring for something nicer. If you're going to be in meetings or out and about for the duration of your stay, going with something a bit more basic may be a wiser choice.
  
  

Rewards

• According to IndependentTraveler.com, travelers may want to select their hotels based on loyalty programs and/or frequent-flier points. If you travel a great deal, it can be worth your while to join a hotel's membership program and earn points for each stay. Some programs allow you to accrue frequent-flier miles with major airlines, while others allow you to work toward free hotel stays, upgrades and other perks.
  
  

Reviews

• IndependentTraveler.com also suggests finding out what other travelers think. Many online travel sites have reviewer sections and, because comments remain anonymous, people are often frank and honest about their specific hotel experiences. You may also find it helpful to check with friends and family to see if they've had positive experiences with a particular hotel or hotel chain. Knowing what to expect in advance can certainly make your travel experience easier and less stressful.
  
  

Location

• One can't underestimate the importance of a hotel's location. If you're headed to a major city and want to enjoy the downtown attractions, staying in the far suburbs may hamper your daily plans. Similarly, if you're traveling for business and are staying in a hotel in a rowdy party district, you may not be able to get a good night's sleep the night before your important presentation. Read the hotel website so you know its proximity to any attractions you'd like to visit. Check the reviews, and even call the hotel to inquire about noise levels, public transportation and parking facilities.