Are you heading to the Orlando, Florida area for your next family vacation? Choosing the right hotel is important, so here are a few tips to keep in mind.

First, decide how much you want to spend. Orlando offers hotels at every price range, from budget to unlimited budget accommodations at $1,000 per night or more, so setting a maximum will help you zero in on a choice.

Cable TV, air conditioning, and a 24-hour help desk are fairly standard for Orlando hotels. Extras like a pool, jacuzzi, and high-speed internet access will cost more, as will money-saving amenities like a fridge, stove, and microwave.

To at least some extent, the price you’ll pay for a hotel will depend on how close it is to major attractions. You can save money if you’re willing to be farther away, but remember to factor in the cost of parking at the hotel and when you get to your chosen attractions. Higher-priced hotels often have free shuttles to popular destinations.

We’ve all heard one or two horror stories about a vacation ruined by bad hotel service, with complaints ranging from rude staff, hard beds, or even bugs. User reviews can be a good source of information if you don’t know the hotels in the area. Acting on those reviews won’t guarantee a trouble-free stay, of course, but a number of negative reviews about the same property can help you avoid a bad experience. I have looked at reviews on travelpost.com, for example, and on my own website, I’ve listed a number of Orlando hotels that get consistently good reviews and provide good value.

A bit of research before you choose a hotel will help you select the right one for you and your family. You are much more likely to be happy with your choice if you’ve done your homework. The right hotel will set the stage for a vacation to remember for a lifetime.