I am not one to complain having been extremely rich and lived the high life, 5 star all the way and been extremely poor, homeless in the gutter but in this current economy as someone who is no longer aspirational but still likes a good deal it is hard to know what you are getting for your money.

We are living in a world where big companies and big brands are using all their clout and huge budgets to sell us the dream most of us could never afford and could quite honestly live without.

Getting good value for money is all about being savvy, doing serious research and listening to people's experiences before you book or buy.

I have just booked my break to Marbella, via Expedia (for the very last time) and after reading reviews on Trip Advisor of various hotels. I know Marbella very well but since the economy in Spain has fallen to bits so have most of the luxury hotels including two of my favourite spots the Byblos and Incosol Medical Spa, once paradise but now no more.

I had a small budget this trip and saw a deal that looked too good to be true. I was not expecting much because at the price I paid it was never going to be paradise but the marketing and reviews led me to believe it would be good enough for the price. Do not be fooled. Anything that seems too good to be true likely is too good to be true as in this particular instance. I also found out the hard way all about the online business I had chosen to shop for my vacation break when things didn't go as smoothly as I'd hoped. When booking online even through a large well known company don't expect fantastic customer service should something go wrong, brands have been forced to adjust their policies to be much less accomodating of complaints because of the sheer volume they receive, low prices and great service don't usually go hand in hand.  Keeping your expectations realistic will mean you avoiding disappointment. I found out the hard way, the company Expedia were blatant in their lack of regard for me the customer, I ended up speaking to Customer Service in Las Vegas after discovering they have no offices or support in the UK and unable to get any resolution I ended up sharing my story in the Sun newspaper.

The truth is you get what you pay for and I would rather save up and spend my leisure time in luxury than be conned into believing the basics will suffice. The brochures and marketing always make things look amazing but a metal sun lounger, an uncomfortable bed, buffet style food for hundreds and cheap all inclusive booze can only lead to complaints unless you are leg less your whole holiday.

These days I always try to negotiate directly with the hotel I want to visit, whereever it is in the world. In a tough economy everyone is fighting for that business on travel comparison sites taking margin for a job I can actually do better myself. Hotels love it when you reach out directly and them knowing who you are when you arrive, will make your experience and stay better. Being warm, friendly and complimentary will not only likely get you a special rate but will also stand you in great stead for your actual stay.

My best travel advice, if you find yourself in a bad situation and you are unable to do anything about it is to use the hotel you have booked as a base to sleep and visit luxury hotels around you to have lunch. By doing this the hotels you lunch at are likely to allow you, if you are spending money, to use the pool facilities, fluffy towels and comfy sun beds.

Photo by: James Lee