Making reservations at Ireland B&B's
 

We are leaving in a few days to visit Ireland. I would like to have reservations made ahead, one less thing to think about. I have had very poor luck contacting B&B owners by email. So, far I have contacted 6 different ones in different areas, and only 1 responded. Two I contacted a month ago--I've given up on them! How long should a response take? I have only been contacting one in each area, because I didn't want to not accept a reservation. But, now I'm thinking I should have contacted several just in case no one answered! I guess I'm just baffled at the almost total lack of response?

Rebecca:

Many is the person who has had trouble getting responses to emails to Irish B&Bs. You will hear the occasional claim that emails get dropped there, but I'm not sure about that. I have no idea if lack of an email response is a sign of bad service when you get there.

I usually just call the places. International calling has gotten pretty cheap and it's probably worth the few pennies not to stress out about your reservations. Give it a try.

Bill

In my experience, there's been no connection between a lack of response to email and the quality of the B&B accommodations. A lot of us are almost obsessed about checking our email. Maybe it's not the same over there. If I don't get a response in a timely manner, I just call.

I've had similar experiences and don't understand it. I don't buy the notion that the e-mail is getting dropped. These folks are running a business. You'd think they want to make it easy to contact them, no? Many (most?) people who frequent their business are from somewhere other than Ireland. They have websites and those sites provide e-mail addresses. If they are not going to bother to check their e-mail and respond, why bother having an e-mail address? Sorry, but I don't do business with non-responsive people, whether they be Irish B&Bs or a business here in the U.S. They don't have to respond instantly, but I would expect 72 hours max. If you can't do that, don't bother having a business e-mail address.

There may be no connection between lack of response and quality of accommodation, but my experience strongly suggests that people who respond quickly are more apt to offer better service in most everything they do. That usually translates to better accommodations.

I do understand MileKing's point of view on this, but if I'd followed his advice I would have missed out on some great places. The pace of things is different in Ireland. Many B&B owners also juggle other jobs plus family responsibilities. Running a rather seasonal B&B business probably isn't their top priority all year round. I just wouldn't let the lack of an email response be the deciding factor.

MileKing, How's the trip planning coming? I've only had one B&B that has not responded, and that is the one we've stayed at twice before on our last night in Bunratty.

Are you up to an Ireland GTG, somewhere between the Kenmare and Mizen Head area on the 27th or 28th of May, if you are going to be in that area?

Budman, the trip planning is essentially done. Early on I had 2 or 3 3 B&Bs, including some that are well-regarded here on Fodors, not respond to my e-mails. No loss, as I found other accommodations that I am happy with. Still need to print some driving directions and the like, and perhaps order Pat Preston's Ireland discount book, but everything else is set. Would enjoy a get together, but the dates you suggest don't work...May 27 has us going across Ireland from Galway to Dublin. May 28 we will be in Dublin.

Here's a link I used for some of my driving directions. It is pretty accurate.

http://www.aaroadwatch.ie/routes/

Sorry we can't hook up in Ireland. Looks like we will be crossing paths with HappyCheesehead in the SW Peninsulas.

Maybe I'll be able to make the next GTG in the DC area. Have a nice trip. ((b))

Budman, I hope you enjoy your trip too. Incidentally, we'll be in the Bunratty area and staying overnight on May 24. If that works for you, let me know.

MileKing, we'll be in Dingle on the 24th. Are you doing the Medieval Banquet in Bunratty? ((b))

Budman, I think we are passing on the medieval banquet. Enjoy!

Thanks for the responses. I'm glad to know it isn't just me. I was beginning to think perhaps my children were the problem. I'm happy to say, since we leave tomorrow, that all our resevations are in place, and when the B&B owners did finally answer they were very accommodating. Perhaps I'll appreciate the "relaxed" Irish approach to life/business more when I am on vacation!

There are two other things that could happen:
1. The B&B isn't open until some time in April. I encountered this at one B&B in Ennis, County Clare; and
2. The B&B uses a Service (there's one in Mayo but I can't recall its name). The Service is supposed to pass on inquiries; but if '1' is true, your inquiry doesn't go anywhere.

Take a list of B&B Phone #'s with you. Buy an Eircom Phone Card. Call each B&B a day beforehand. Most 'Listed' B&B's have places that can put up 'overflow' patrons; so don't worry about them being fully booked, especially this time of year. Slainte!