We would like to stay at a particular hotel in Bonnieux because we were given a wonderful gift of a grand dinner at their 2* Michelin restaurant.(Bastide de Capelongue)

The room rates are very high (for us) and I wondered whether they will go down. We would be there around October 3,4, and/or 5th...or do the room rates posted stay the same? We don't leave till September 1 so I have time to wait it out..need some feedback.

Thanks as ususal.

Did you look at the hotel's web site? There's no indication of a lower rate for October--most of the "better" hotels in Provence have the same rate all year round. For those that do, October is usually in the mid-season category and the rates don't drop all that much.

Hi lois,

I would write the hotel directly, telling them of your desire to have diner and stay at the hotel and ask what is the very best rate they can offer.

I see that they have a special util mid Sept. Maybe they can give you a similar rate.

When I booked our recent trip, I remember timing it so I would arrive at Bastide Moustiers and Chateau des Alpilles before May because their rates went up then. Subsequently, I assume there is a date in the fall when the rates drop. So other hotels may follow suit.

Excellent idea, Ira.

All of the hotels I've dealt with in Provence, or booked/researched, clearly stated their season policies on their web site regarding dates. I have never seen one calling earkt October low season in Provence, but I have seen some having low season beginning in November. Obviously, you should just ask the hotel what their rate policy is.

Ira..good idea...but can I write in English?????...if not, I will have to have someone help me with translation. Too often I have written in English to French websites and gotten no response...

Thanks..Lois

loisco, I wrote to that hotel last week to inquire if they were still serving lunch in mid-October. I wrote and they responded in English.

Judy...thanks. Lois

We found that some hotel rates go down as mid-October or beginning November. Then there are a number of small hotels that actually close for a brief period from November 1 to mid-December.

For beginning of October, as suggested above, I'd write direct to the hotel - English is fine - and advise what you're looking for and what rate would be available.

Writing directly to the hotel usually works best. Too often messages sent via web sites don't get to the right person for a response.

So Underhill you mean write a letter by snail mail...not an email??????

Thanks..Lois

We once showed up at a hotel thinking we had a reservation. The letter was in French. They said it read they were full.
We felt so stupid but they were nice and directed us to a nearby bread and breakfast and they fit us in at dinner.

Mrs..that gave me a smile!

Either by snail mail or by e-mail directly to the hotel, not to the web site.