A nice hotel can sweeten a holiday. A bad hotel, on the other hand, has spoilt many a trip.
Whether you're on a weekend getaway or travelling around Europe, you don't have to stay in a cheap hotel.
Here are a few tips on how to find the perfect hotel.

• Find out where you can. Use travel magazines, travel books, the internet and knowledgeable friends. Search for hotels in Google, under travel websites, and mark the pages that help you. Use the travel magazines as a kind of index for websites, as most hotels provide a web address in the magazine. Photos are powerful, so look for hotels with pictures attached.
• Where the hotel is is one of the most important things. It's no good finding a great hotel for your budget if you have to travel far every day and spend more on transport. Think about where the sights are and look for a hotel that is nearby or easily accessible.
• Be sceptical. Hotels naturally advertise themselves on their own websites. Look for opinions from guests who have stayed there before.
• Book via the Internet. Don't hesitate to book package holidays that already include the hotel, flight and any other services.
• Each hotel has its own definition of "deluxe" and "5 stars". Contact the hotel directly and ask specific questions. Enquire about the extras advertised for that particular hotel and make sure they are available for the duration of your stay.
• If the room is not to your liking when you arrive, ask for another room in a friendly manner. You are the guest, so don't be taken for a fool.
• Enjoy your stay. Even if not everything is perfect, make the best of it.