By Amy Bradley-Hole of Freaky Perfect

Traveling to a new destination is almost always fun. It’s exciting to see new scenery, check out new attractions, and find great new places to dine.

But all that newness can also be a little stressful. When you’re traveling somewhere you’ve never been before, deciding where to stay can be tricky. Is that hotel you’re considering in a safe neighborhood? Does it have the amenities you need? Is it the best value, or is there a better hotel you’ve never heard of just a block away?

My family and I have stayed at, worked at, and even lived in all types of hotels all over the world. Despite that, I still get a little nervous when it comes to choosing a hotel in an unfamiliar territory. So how do I make a decision? By following these tips, I almost never go wrong.

• First, figure out what type of hotel you need. Is this just a stop-over on a road trip? Then location matters most, and you’ll probably want something by the interstate. Staying a few nights for the trip of a lifetime? You’ll likely appreciate the comfort and service of a luxury property. Quick business trip? You probably don’t need a bellman, but that free breakfast might be very important. Also, think about whether you’d prefer a chain or independent hotel. Chain properties offer consistency and brand standards, but little excitement. Independent or boutique hotels are typically more interesting and special, but you don’t always know what you’re getting. So before you start looking, narrow down your search parameters. Figure out which amenities you need, and which you can do without. That will make your search much less overwhelming.
• Ask for recommendations. Even if I’m going to some random, far-flung destination, I always ask my social networks for advice. Ask around, and you’ll be surprised at how many friends (and friends of friends) know of a perfect hotel that’s just what you’re looking for.
• Check out the review websites, but be a savvy shopper. My favorite go-to review site is Trip Advisor. I like how it gives me a hotel’s ranking in its area.

This feature allows you to compare unknown properties very easily. When you know nothing about all the different hotels in an area, this shows you quickly and easily how a prospective hotel stands up to its competitors.

But there are two things to remember when perusing these review sites. First, ignore the stars. Star rankings are subjective and inconsistent. What one site considers a five-star property would only garner three stars on another. This makes them practically meaningless.

Second, toss out the most glowing and most horrible reviews. Some people think everything about every hotel is absolutely wonderful! And some people have an axe to grind. The truth always lies somewhere in between.

• Check out a map. Before I book a room, I always find the hotel on a map. Let’s face it — hotels embellish the truth in their marketing materials. What they consider “walking distance” may be, in reality, a mile away over a busy highway. And “quiet neighborhood” may mean “completely isolated from all the attractions.” Plus, there’s a safety factor involved. When you’re unfamiliar with your destination, you have no idea which parts of town are safe and which are sketchy. A quick glance at Street View can alert you to any abandoned buildings, iron bars on windows, or dirty, unkempt vacant lots in the vicinity of your hotel. These are all signs of a less-than-desirable location.

• Call the hotel directly. The best way to get a feel for a place is by calling it! Trust me — you can get a good idea of what kind of service a hotel provides by a quick chat with a reservations or front desk agent. (Hint: Don’t call a chain’s 800 number. Call the direct local number for the hotel.) Ask questions about the property or the area. Whoever you speak with should be willing and able to answer your inquiries with patience and care. This goes for inexpensive chain hotels and grand luxury hotels alike. You’ll know you’ve chosen the right hotel when your pre-booking and pre-arrival experiences make you happy and comfortable.

Travel should always be an adventure, but this doesn’t mean you have to take chances when it comes to finding the right place to lay your head. Take my advice, and chances are, you’ll find the perfect property for you and your needs.

Amy Bradley-Hole is a freelance writer and speaker who covers tech, travel, business and parenting. She’s a true Southern girl, but she’s lived and traveled all over the world. She blogs at Freaky Perfect about the freakiness of her not-so-perfect life. When she’s not goofing around on the internet, she dreams up new ways to drive her husband and two young boys crazy. Follow her on Twitter at @amybhole.