Cowboy1968; That's a key bit of information I didn't suggest.

Most, if not all reservations on booking.com , one does not pay up front, but only when you get to the hotel.

iris - sorry, think you misinterpret my use of "scheme" - don't mean to imply something nefarious, more in the sense of a plan or proposed way of doing something, synonymous with "model." Realizing that in American English there is a negative connotation, should probably select an alternate term. Mea culpa!

Seamus; Everyone on Fodor's knows I'm 'a piece of work'.

No problem and Thanks for the response.

Anyone who thinks I'm exaggerating should check the Dresden Hilton website for the dates May 20 until May 27. Non-refundable 127 euros; refundable 154 euros.

This was not the price quoted on Expedia or Booking.com. It was the Hilton website.

I don't usually stay in hotels that are that expensive, but it was hard to find a hotel I liked.

My hotel in Berlin is more like it--65 euros per night.

>>The big Hotel chains have been offering non refundable rates for a couple of years now.<<

In the States I've seen discounted/pre-paid/non-refundable specials for years. In Europe/the UK maybe for the last 3 or 4 years. It is VERY common IME. In April I'm staying in a posh-ish property in Edinburgh for about 30% less by pre-paying.

janis, tell me where. I can't find anything in Edinburgh below about $190 a night.

Gertie: Try Fraser Suites - their advance purchase/pay rates would probably fit just under $190.

But if you want a B&B instead -there are lots under $190 that don't require more than just a typical deposit. Like 53 Frederick St - very good, very central. Less than £100 double. anytime except during Festival/Hogmany.

And if you don't care about charm - there are a few travelodges that are cheap for regular bookings and really <B>CHEAP</B> for pre-paid bookings.

Thanks janis. 53 looks great and is available when I want to be there.

<< I assume I'll go in to Frankfurt and check it out, though it's never been at the top of my sight-seeing list >>

If you want some place smaller than Frankfurt you could spend a day in Mainz. Beautiful Chagall stained glass windows in St. Stephens, a cathedral, pedestrian area, Gutenberg Museum.

After transiting through Frankfurt several times I finally decided to stop there and actually stopped twice. Took a walking tour one time and the other time I wandered about the city. I was pleasantly surprised.

I recently stayed in a Westin in the US and had a choice of three rates: cancelable anytime up to arrival; cancel able 24 hours in advance; and not cancelable at all.

These were in descending order of price, and I took the middle level. I also got a discount by prepaying our breakfasts, a significant discount.

Worked for me! And obviously worked for them.