Aja1

When you find the hotel you want to book what is your process for finding a rate and booking? I've read that going direct through the hotel website is the most dependable, which of course makes sense. But, for example, my wife and I want to book the Hotel Alba in Florence. The rate through the website is quite a bit more than travelocity and otel.com.

Peace of mind is definitely worth something to me.

Thanks,
Aja1

KentNay

I recently took a trip to Italy and booked everything through expedia. They were actually great and all the hotels turned out to be exactly how they were represented on the site. I'd feel safe with travelocity but just make sure you read reviews before you book

2010

Try booking directly with the hotel. You can make an initial contact via email -- usually noted on the hotel's website. Ask about availability, rates, any special requests or other questions. Often, a hotel will only require a credit card number to secure a reservation.

Good luck!

2010

Grcxx3

I use other sites for comparisons, reviews, ideas on prices, etc - but then I contact the hotels directly to book. Do the same for airfares.

On our recent visit to Italy, I booked directly with our hotels in Rome and Venice. Through my contact with them (via email) I was able to arrange airport transfers and dinner reservations.

magoo57

I start off by using
http://www.venere.com/
to find a hotel, and get the feedback rating. You can not allways trust the glorious description some of the smaller hotel websites put up. When booking through "venere.com" you can fill an email hotel rating and coment sheet after you come home. so you can look at the approval rating and comments of previous guests. It is not allways true that booking direct is less, exept for cash payment. I just booked a hotel in Munich through venere.com. The hotel website wanted 15 euros more a night.

Aja1

So to those who book directly with the hotel, you acknowledge that you may be paying more per night than if you went with a third party? I'm fine with that, just want to make sure I'm not missing a step(like asking the hotel for a better rate).

Thanks

ira

Hi A,

Contact the hotel and ask if they will give you the same price as the website.

If not, book through the website and then contact the hotel for written confirmation.

Lexma90

I also almost always book directly with the hotel. And every booking I've made has been the same or cheaper price than any booking service, plus I have the peace of mind that my reservation has been made directly with that hotel. I've only had one time when the venere.com price was cheaper than the hotel's price; in that case, I used venere.com, then confirmed my reservation directly with the hotel (the hotel also made some dinner reservations for me).

Yes, definitely ask if they'll meet the internet price you saw. Or they may have other discounts, for example, if you pay in cash or for a certain number of nights.

Grcxx3

I have generally gotten a rate close to what I found on other sites. If it's a bit more.....I don't let it bother me. The "peace of mind" that I'm dealing directly with the hotel is worth it.

nevertooold

I often phone the hotel directly after surfing the various sites (tripadviser, venere and google the hotel name)and am often able to obtain a 5-10% reduction arranged for cash payment - do not be shy about asking!

Giovanna

I too contact our hotel of choice by e-mail and have had good results. Our hotel in Milan made a reservation for us to see the Last Supper. Our hotel in Florence arranged for parking our rental car while there. It's good to have a contact in the city you're visiting to help with your plans before you arrive.

Aja1

Thanks everyone, I've emailed the hotel and will see what happens. I'll let you know.