One of the benefits of staying in a hotel equipped with a kitchenette, such as Homewood Suites, is the opportunity to save money on dining out. Here are some tips for making your next “dining in” experience simple and affordable.

1. Go easy. Frozen entrees are a convenient way to eat in your microwave-equipped hotel room. Another simple option, swing by a local grocery’s deli and order a few containers of salads and a main entree.

2. Eat leftovers. Restaurant portion sizes are so large these days it’s not uncommon to have enough left over for an entire a meal the next day. Since you’re staying in a hotel equipped with a fridge and microwave,  consider saying yes to a to-go box and save the family’s leftovers for lunch the next day.

3. Utilize the refrigerator. If you’d like to put a little more effort into a meal, treat your shopping like you do at home. Decided what you need to purchase, make a list and get a little creative. A loaf of bread, sliced deli meat, cheese and condiments can go a long way for lunch.

4. Go small on condiments. There’s no point in stocking up on a huge bottle of mustard or butter. Purchase the smallest container you can find.

5. Skip pasta and rice. There are some foods not meant to be eaten in a hotel room and these carbohydrates are a perfect example since they take a lot of work. Unless you use a microwavable option or purchase premade food don’t add them  to your cooking menu.

6. Eat your veggies. Just because you’re traveling doesn’t mean your healthy habits have to be left at home. Today’s veggie steamers (found in the market’s frozen section) make eating healthy in your hotel room a breeze.

7. Purchase pre-cut food. If you’re a salad eater, skip the full head of lettuce. Instead, purchase the pre-chopped salad in a bag and other already prepared veggies to add to the mix.

8. Can it. Canned soups or any other canned food item can easily be warmed up on your in-room stove.

9. Don’t forget the beverages. If your fridge is full of food, consider utilizing the ice bucket or your bathroom sink as a cooler. If you plan to have beer or wine, don’t forget a corkscrew or bottle opener.

10. Safety first. Just like cooking at home, keep safety in mind. Pay attention to your food while it’s cooking and use appropriate temperatures and timings.