jkransen5

Hi all, I'm new to this message board so if someone has already addressed this question, please point me to the right place.

My husband & I are planning a trip to Italy in October '05 and we are wondering when we should start booking our lodging. We have a pretty good itinerary roughed out, but obviously shouldn't book until we have it decided. However, a good "deadline" might help us make some decisions. And obviously, we're 10 months out but I have seen a couple messages where people have already booked their flights for Fall '05.

We really would like to book lodging in b&b's or smaller hotels. We're going to be spending most of our time in Florence & some of the Tuscan hilltowns, staying a few days in Rome at the beginning and Venice at the end. Any thoughts? Should we be booking soon? I know sooner is always better than later but just wanted some thoughts. Thanks!

elaine

There are some small popular places that book up to a year in advance; others will not take reservations more than a month or two in advance.
But there are lots of good places to stay. I'd try booking lodgings 6-8 months in advance if there are some that are important to me.

WillTravel

I made my bookings for my upcoming Italy trip just over three months in advance. I keep looking for deals all the time, and it's now about a month until departure. What I've observed is that the best deals have gone away. Almost everything in my low-budget range has either increased in price or no longer has availability.

LAwoman

We are going in 10/05, too. Have already booked lodging for Positano, Rome & Venice. Haven't done air yet.

Mitmap

Are deposits generally required when you make lodging bookings? And are cancellations easy if you change your mind about the lodgings (obviously before you arrive)?

WillTravel

It really depends on the booking service you use, and of course the hotel itself. The options can run the gamut from cancellation on the day of arrival at 6 PM to full nonrefundable payment.

Intrepid1

A suggestion for what it is worth: started planning a trip to France and Spain for July 2005 this past Summer.

On one of the websites of one of the hotels we wanted to stay in it was very clear that you could not yet book for next year (it would not "accept" dates for 2005), so I e-mailed them (as I often do) and asked them WHEN I could book for the particular dates I had in mind.

They responded immediately and booked the dates. I also just booked beach accommodations for Labor Day 2005 and got the very LAST space available. Some places do book up many months in advance.

If there is a place you really want to stay I would e-mail (or call in some cases) directly and ask when you can book and also for the best rate.

kfusto

I booked my upcoming January trip in July and my June 2005 as soon as the airlines opened the books for tickets.

For my January hotels, I got great deals by booking 6 months ahead. Even though it is the off season, there are major shows that take place throught Italy and the hotel room I am paying 90Euro/Nt (4 star and lovely) is up to 230 for some of the dates I am confirmed. Also, the euro was less expensive then than now so I saved by prepaying my stay.

I stay in the Florence for the greatest part of most of my trips and have some places I like to stay that are small so I book ahead. Then I continue to check for specials on the last minute sites like www.ratestogo.com.

Plus, the planning is a part of the pleasure for me!

jgg

We booked hotels for our March 2005 trip this past July 2004. We were able to confirm rates at the 2004 price before potential increase in 2005. If you know where you want to stay and they will take your reservation - book it now! We found the cancellation policies very generous. I believe they range from 24 hours to 17 days prior with no penalty.