Most people have at some point had an unfortunate experience with a hotel. Maybe the room was dirty, or smelled like smoke, or had mysterious stains on the furniture. Having to spend a night in such a place can really put a damper on your vacation. To avoid this fate, use the following tips.

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.

To save money on a minibar or vending machine at a hotel, pack a cooler before you start out on your trip, and throw in some six-packs of soda or beer and a bottle of wine. When you get to the hotel, if you