Picking the Perks You Want in a Holiday Travel Hotel

Taking a trip this season? Don't leave it up to chance when it comes to where you stay. There is a vast difference in the perks you get at various hotel chains - and they can be the difference between a relaxing and enjoyable part of your trip and just simply a room you can sleep in.

Here's the ten best, in no particular order:

1) Hilton Hotels have started to have kiosks that enable guests to check in as well as print boarding passes for 26 airlines within the lobbies of 126 participating Hilton hotels, including the Hilton hotels near Logan and Newark airports. Visit the Hilton Website for more information. Hilton Hotels are frequently located proximate to airports - Logan Airport in Boston has a Hilton with direct connection to the terminals at the Airport. You can walk to the Hilton hotel via the skybridge or take a complimentary shuttle. Complimentary shuttles, bottled water upon arrival, a token free snack voucher and a comfy robe are some of the perks of staying at a Hilton when your flight is delayed. Most Hilton Hotels have a restaurant on premise for breakfast and a microwave and small fridge in the rooms.

2) Days Inn - Every morning, a complimentary continental breakfast is served. All rooms have exterior access, hairdryers, and cable TV. Microwaves and refrigerators are available upon request. Small pets can stay for a fee. Days Inn's are typically very simple but clean and great if you are just staying one night or you will not need any hotel facilities like a gym or the internet since your day is filled with other activities.

3) Fairfield Inn - Two bedrooms in a suite, some with Jacuzzi, and a free contential breakfast. Nice if you are on your own for breakfast and spending some time with relatives, but not all your time, which gives you time to enjoy the Jacuzzi. Fairfield Inn suites are roomy and all have their own outside exit. The Fairfield Inn suites are large enough that relatives can come visit you and spend time as well.

4) SpringHill Suites offers suites with more space than a comparably priced hotel room. Suites featuring separate areas for eating/working, relaxing, and sleeping. Suites featuring in-room microwave, mini-refrigerator, sink, and coffee maker. Free high speed Internet. Free local phone calls. Pull-out sofa, iron, ironing board, hair dryer in all suites. Hot tub/Jacuzzis in many rooms, free fitness room, an indoor pool, and free hot and healthy breakfast buffet.

5) The Radisson has a package that is called the Home for the Holidays Package which includes: Full breakfast for two in their Restaurant, a $25 Visa gift card, your choice of homestyle apple or seasonal berry pie, boxed and ready to take home, or enjoy during your stay (also a nice housewarming gift if you are invited to a meal).

6) If you are visiting relatives and staying in a hotel with your kids for more than five days, Homewood Suites is an excellent option since they offer discounts for stays of five consecutive nights or longer. Homewood Suites offers apartment style rooms with Breakfast and snacks during the day, a Living room, kitchen, nearby delis and restaurants featuring to your room delivery and takeout (often to late at night), movies, pool table, library, kids and parents can stay in the same suite and have plenty of room. Visit their website for details on discounted rates.

7) ExtendedStay hotels - which also include the brand StudioPlus, HomeStead, and Crossland hotels have Fully equipped kitchens, High-speed Wi-Fi Internet in every room, Guest laundry facilities, Pet friendly, Unlimited local phone use, Personalized voicemail, Fitness centers & pools (in selected locations) Rates start as low as $49 to $89 a night and they have long term stay discounts. Make your reservation online and get a coupon for $10 off. Extended Stay Hotels is a good choice for travel needs a week or longer in length. It is an ideal option for families on vacation because it offers an affordable place to stay with extra room and even a kitchen that can reduce food costs and help a great family vacation fall within budget. Visit their website for locations.

8) Wyndham Hotels, when you sign up online for their free preferred club, will have the snacks (fruit, cookies or a salty snack like nuts) and drink (including wine or beer where available or cold soda or bottled water) of your selected preference upon check in waiting in your room, so you can have a drink and snack no matter what time your flight gets in.

9) TowneSuite offers a free breakfast and plenty of room for families at a reasonable price. For instance, the TownePlace Suites Boston Tewksbury/Andover 2 Bedroom Suite is $124 a night for 2 bedrooms and a living room area with kitchen, Fully equipped kitchen with Refrigerator, Stovetop, Oven, Microwave, Dishwasher, Pots, pans, and serving dishes, Dishes and glasses, a first night snack starter kit, Wired internet for a fee, from December 23rd to Jan 3rd. Studio suites are $94 a night.

10) Howard Johnson - pool, the restaurant with ice cream, and this season they are featuring a stay twice and get a free $25 gift card offer. Howard Johnson is also good for travel because they have a route planner; and their website has a feature to search for hotels close to a specific airport. Hotels near airports often offer free shuttle services and free breakfast (hot waffles!) Many Howard Johnsons also have Unlimited local calls.

Enjoy your travels this season!