Summer is one of the most popular times to travel. As you start arranging the details for your travel and booking a room, set aside some time to do a little homework on your hotel options. For the best experience possible, you'll need to find a location that offers the features, quality and budget to meet your unique needs. Here is a guide for the do's and don'ts for booking a hotel room. 

Do:

Read the reviews.

One of the best ways to get a read on a hotel is to learn from previous visitors' experiences. You can filter reviews using criteria that most closely relate to your situation, including family-friendly, couples, adults only and many more. Using a travelers' candid review, you can better decipher what type of experience you're likely to have.

Look up the location. 

When choosing a hotel, pay close attention to its physical location. Using Google maps, you can use the address to zoom in and scan the surrounding area. 

This allows you to get a good look at the hotel through the satellite view as well as check out its proximity to surrounding stores, restaurants, and hiking trails. If the hotel is in the right geographic area, it's likely you'll waste less time commuting to various activities on the agenda. 

Don't:

Compare apples with oranges.

When booking a room at a hotel, make sure you understand all the factors that go into the price. You might find a great deal, significantly less money than their competitors. However, in the fine print, you may come to realize some deals are too good to be true. 

Advertising extremely low prices for a room may be to offset less desirable attributes, like a poor location or hotel renovation in progress. In addition, keep your eye out for hidden charges you'll be expected to pay onsite that are not included in the advertised price. 

Don't forget to review the cancelation policy.

Cancellation policies for hotels have changed quite a bit since the pandemic, offering more leniency in some cases. However, it's imperative you understand the most updated policy to ensure you won't be out your entire hotel fare, should you need to cancel. Hotels that offer free cancelation offer a peace of mind during the planning process.

If visiting the wilds of Alaska is on your travel bucket list, choose a hotel that puts you at the center of it all, Totem Inn. Located in Healy, just miles north of the Denali National Park entrance, the rooms at this rustic lodge are equipped with modern memory foam mattresses, a small refrigerator, microwave, free Wi-Fi, TV, and a bathroom with a full tub. This full-service inn has a restaurant, lounge, and fitness room where you can dine, relax and unwind. The caring and accommodating staff go the extra mile to ensure your stay is as comfortable as possible after you return from exploring the majestic terrain. To book a room, call (907) 683-6500 or visit the website.