Americans are accustomed to making reservations well in advance over the Internet, but this trend does not extend to other nations. Often travelers will make such arrangements and pay for them only to find out on arrival that the hotel has never heard of them.

Best solution to this problem is either to make reservations directly by calling the hotel, or to not make them at all. Unless there is a special event occurring during that time or it is an extremely busy season, reservations often leave you with an inferior place at a high price. Instead of burying your nose in Conde Nast to find the best place, keep your eyes and ears open as you travel the city. You are your own best judge of where to stay.

Certainly beware of taxi drivers making ?suggestions? about where to go. Kickbacks for taxi drivers and large commissions are common the world over. No matter what city you are traveling to, try to arrive early in the day and maximize the amount of time you have to find a suitable place. Arriving at night is always a bad idea, and you may even find yourself in an undesirable hotel or sleeping in the park.

Always remember to investigate your room before you pay. If the hotel says they have hot water, turn on the shower and feel it for yourself. If they say they have a swimming pool, have a look. Sit on the bed. Examine the locks. Pay attention to who your neighbors might be, because you?re not getting a refund.

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