With all the online resources available these days, choosing your hotel doesn’t have to be a blind process.

Here’s what’s new out there today…

First off, a site called Room77.com uses Google Earth and other technology so you can actually see the real view from specific hotel rooms.

So you can figure out which rooms actually have ocean views, versus the ones that require you sticking your head out the window to catch a glimpse of the water. 

Then, the day before you check in, or even on the same day, call up the front desk and ask for one of those rooms.

Of course, it’s not just the price of the room that matters, but the value. So Priceline.com has a freebies page where you can search for hotels based on value-added perks, like free breakfast, Internet and parking.

And if you’re not an advance planner, a new app called HotelTonight lets you book hotel rooms at the very last minute for a discounted rate. Every day at noon, it releases three hotel deals in several different cities, and you have until 2 a.m. to book.

Find more ways to find great places to stay in our Hotels & Accommodations section.

And check out the rest of our Daily Travel Tips here.