Check out hotels before checking in.

Traveling on business?

Forget about staying at the cheaper six-room motel 10 kilo-metres out of town, stay at a recognized hotel chain where you know what to expect.

That is the advice from Sudbury-based Attain Lavoie, an adjustment advisor for the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities, who travels extensively. He recommends gathering information on the location you will be visiting before setting out on your journey.

Think about what amenities you will need, he says. Consider whether you wish to be close to another venue or whether you will require a high-speed Internet connection.

"Don't expect there to be a pool and get there to find it's being renovated," Lavoie warns. "If you're looking for something very specific, tell the hotel."

Michael Poleck, general manager for Best Western Crossroads in Thunder Bay, agrees it is a good idea to make a list of what you are looking for. "Just because you're staying with a chain, services aren't always the same," Poleck warns. "Even though chains have a global quality that they must meet, their amenities may be different depending on their location."

Brian MacNeil, director of sales for Ramada Inn Hotel and Conference Centre in Sudbury, says your first step in researching a new location should be to check the Internet. "It's quick, easy and free," he says. "Pick a hotel by reputation...there are a lot of chains with excellent reputations." Reservations can be made online, but make sure you get a confirmation number and, while you can also find driving directions online, have the hotel's phone number with you should you need to call for further directions.

Although each hotel offers discounts in a different way, they all offer corporate rates at either a set rate or percentage below regular rates.

There are also special rates for association memberships, such as the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA), but MacNeil says travellers should check for other group benefits that the chain might recognize. His chain. Ramada Inn, supports the Petro Points program and some hotels may offer a better discount for certain memberships, so mention any affiliations.

MacNeil and Poleck both recommend dealing with the hotel directly, especially when the stay is going to be on a regular basis. Contact the director of sales at individual hotels for extended stays or many room nights. They will negotiate a rate that is more justifiable instead of the full "rack" or regular rate.

A lot of business people find booking through travel agents or global booking systems (GBS) more convenient, but if you are Looking for the best rates, it is to your advantage to call the hotel direct. They will give you the benefit of the discount you saved by avoiding booking agent fees.

If you have safety concerns, stay towards the lower floors and near fire exits, and if you have any issues at all about the type of room or the location of it, ask ahead, says Lavoie.

Remember to cancel a room you will not be using since many hotels will charge you if you do not show up.