What's the best way to make reservations for hotels/places to stay? I have booked our first night and our last night, the remaining nights we plan on playing it by ear and booking B&B's once we get there. We are spending two nights in Dublin (in August) and I've tried e-mailing certain hotels, but have not heard back from the in a week. Should I just assume they are booked for the nights I requested or should I call. Would faxing be better? Any ideas or suggestions would be helpful. Thanks, Amy

Is this a troll?

Amy, check out the message posted here about Ireland seaside reservations. Cathy provides several addresses for reservations. I have had no problem with sending an email with my reservation request - just provide exactly what you are looking for (dates, accomodations, etc.) Good luck!

I am not a terrific fan of winging it, however Ireland has a terrific Tourist Information system. All you need to do is head for a tourist info. booth as nearly all of them also provide a booking service, which for a minimal fee... maybe 5 Punts, can book a Bed and Breakfast or hotel for you. <BR>Our first trip to Ireland we didn't book anything and used Tourist Information booking service. We ended up staying in delightful lodgings. <BR>If you have not heard back from hotels you contacted, the chances are they are booked. <BR>I suggest you keep trying, possibly phoning, and maybe get a few more B and B's to broaden your search.

What's a troll? <BR>Anyway, thanks Denise and Thyra. I'll check out those websites from Cathy and I'll keep trying. Thanks!! <BR>---Amy

Hi, Amy, <BR> <BR>I usually try using e-mail first, as it has no real cost attached to it. I ask whether the hotel has rooms available, what the price is for different types of rooms, what cancellation policy is, .... However, I never include a credit card number in e-mail. <BR> <BR>Once I hear back from the hotel, I merely print out the e-mail they sent me and fax it back to them, making clear the room(s) I want (if several are offered at different prices) and including my name as it appears on the credit card, the card type (Visa, MC, Amex, ...) and the expiration date. <BR> <BR>If the hotel does not respond to an initial e-mail in a reasonable amount of time (2-3 days, given the time difference with the US), I would go ahead and fax them your request. You can ask them to reply either by fax or by e-mail. <BR> <BR>John