I am just wondering what is a reasonable length of time to give a hotel or B&B to respond to a room availability inquiry?

I try to take into consideration how busy their current season may be, whether they receive my inquiry on a weekend and what website I am using to contact them but here I am once again waiting and waiting to hear from three places, any of which I would be happy to select.

It may be 5 months out but is it unrealistic to expect a fairly prompt reply. This time our trip is in the Brittany region and I know it is not high season yet.

Isn't it said patience is a virtue? Guess that one goes by the wayside for me when I am trying to find suitable accommodations Deborah

I heard back from most of my hotel inquiries within 24-48 hours after emailing. There was only one hotel/B&B that I never heard back from.

1) Many European hotels/B&Bs don't find e-mails as "urgent" as one might want

2) There is no guarantee the e-mail went through

3) Lots of B&B owners don't handle their own websites/e-mail and have to wait for their tech person to access things.

any or all of the above may apply. I usually wait 5 ot 6 days, then send another e-mail, and if still no answer and I REALY want to stay there - I phone or fax.

When I planned our trip last summe, if I didn't hear from a hotel within 2-3 days I didn't hear from them at all. Many hotels and B&Bs don't seem to reply unless they have a room available. I think the advice about calling or sending another message to a hotel where you really wish to stay is good, but otherwise I would try another location.

There is also the possibility that some hotels are closed for the season in which case you might not hear anything until they reopen.

Good luck!

Hi DA,

I have found that European B&Bs respond most readily to faxes and phone calls.

Hi DeborahAnn.
I would call them. When they answer, just ask in the language if they speak English.
I have found that more often than not there is someone that speaks a little English.
Good Luck.

check your spam / bulk folder.

Thanks for the replies, I now realize if I am going to rely on email responses I will have to be more patient.

janisj, your comments were right on and I think I have taken all your points into consideration.

Most days I find it difficult to telephone to Europe at suitable hours of business so tend to rely more on email responses. I then will send a fax with cc information to confirm a booking.

My husband and I prefer staying at small B&B's with only a couple of rooms offered so booking early is essential. For September I am finding some of our first choices are already booked which did put a strain on my patience

I certainly appreciate your comments, Deborah