Jennifer

Happy New Year all! Based on the recommendations I read in this forum, I contacted the Hermitage to reserve a room in April. They are asking for a deposit for one night which is not unusual; however, they are saying they can only accept the deposit by check, NOT by credit card, which I found very strange. Can someone who's stayed there tell me if they also had to make a deposit by check? <BR> <BR>Thanks for the help. <BR>Jennifer

Susan

Hey Jennifer!~ <BR>I was thinking of staying there in September...will you let me know what you think? It sounds like a gorgous hotel. <BR>As for your question about the check, when I travelled to Italy 2 years ago I had to send a check to 2 hotels for deposits. I have already booked my hotel for my September visit coming up in Venice (the Accademia) because you have to book them like a year in advace -- and they wanted a check. Not only did I mail them a check, they've cashed it already! Technically I don't think they are supposed to do that, but frankly, I don't really care, I honestly don't think they realize the whole "deposit" thing. Anyway, it's not uncommon is what I'm trying to say. It's not the Marriott, you know? It's a little different....so I wouldn't worry about it. YOu should keep a copy of the letter you send, and also get a copy of the check (if they cash it) and of course...call and confirm 2 weeks before you travel. Have fun! Susan

Joanna

I paid for my entire stay (7 nights) by cheque before arriving. There were no problems. If you do send the cheque be sure to take proof of payment and ask them to acknowledge receipt, just in case.

Maurice

We stayed at the Hotel Riva in Venice in 1998; they asked for a deposit of 1 night. (I had heard about this before on this forum). Very nice place - you can find my comments elsewhere on this forum. We sent a travellers cheque for $100 (signed!) and they said they never got it. We sent another one - by FED-EX this time, $C 40 for a letter (=$26US). When we got there, they had both in their reservation file folder - so 2 of our 3 nights were already paid. They had not cashed them, I forgot to countersign one of the cheques (a $50 of the first $100). Still, a fantastic palce, great location, wonderful hotel, half the price of most comparable hotels. (Lit 170,000 for double w/ shower). <BR>I guess they do things differently there, and the concept of customer service has not hit some of the banks yet. I assume the Hotels stay away from VISA etc. because of the hassles and costs (and they can get the customers anyway.) <BR>

Kathy

If you are not happy with your hotel I can tell you the Hotel Bellitini is wonderfull it is in Fodors with a * and the cost the 200.000 lira (88.00) usd inc bkfst. <BR>They have very good website and the rooms are very nice. <BR>The only rooms that didnt seem great were the ones right off the lobby they might be noisy, we had room 26 (up 1/2 flt of stairs) it was quiet had a big bed and nice bathrm.