For many travelers, finding the right hotel can make all the difference in their trip. Whether you're traveling for business or pleasure, the right hotel can mean comfort or agony, so it's not a choice to be left to the last minute.
The first and most important factor is budget. Determine how much you can spend on a hotel per night, and factor extra people into the equation. Some hotels charge extra for another person, others simply charge by the room, so be sure to think about this.
After you've worked out your budget, make a list of amenities you want or need, such as a pool, sauna, hot tub, gym, continental breakfast and so forth. Make sure you check each hotel's website for info and, if still unclear on anything, call them and make specific inquiries.
Next, take into account whether location matters to you. Some people may like being in the thick of it, such as in the heart of a city, but others may enjoy a more peaceful residence. There is nothing like being stuck in a country cottage and craving a hopping nightlife (or vice versa) to ruin a nice stay.
One last tip for finding the right hotel: use the internet; it is your friend and greatest ally when it comes to finding a hotel. From reviews and forums to chat rooms and blogs, you can find out virtually everything you want to know about a hotel, its location and its quality of service.