I used the reservation/availability request on the Pensione Accademia website for 2 nites in October. They responded and said that they had a small double room for $175E. But to reserve the room, they said I had to send in a USD check deposit for $230? Is this a normal request? I'm a little nervous in sending in cash. I'd much rather give them a credit card where they could just put the deposit on it. But the email said that they only accept credit cards for final payment.

What if I cancel? Would it be hard to get my money back?

Please advise!

Also, any reviews on this hotel would be great. They said the room is a small double. How small is small?

I have reservations at this hotel in August. They confirmed the reservation with just a credit card. They did request a second verification of credit card one week prior to arrival, but certainly no check deposit required. I would e-mail back and see if they can confirm with a credit card deposit.

I, too, reserved with this hotel with a CC for October. As suggested by some posters on this forum I split the number in two and sent two separate emails. For a hotel in Florence I had to send a check, in U.S. Dollars, which I mailed parcel post--I received an email confirmation from the hotel once they received the check.

It may not be typical of most hotels, but the Accademia has been doing this for years. It is legitimate, annoying as it is. What I don't remember (we went in 1999) is whether we got the American cash back and paid it all by credit card or if we had the amount credited, and paid the balance. I believe it was the latter, but I'm not sure.

Paule

Hi JP,

>I'm a little nervous in sending in cash.<

They didn't ask for cash, they asked for a check.

>What if I cancel? Would it be hard to get my money back?<

Read the cancellation policy.

I have stayed there twice and both times sent a cash deposit. In fact, my second trip I forgot I had sent them the deposit for the first night and the whole stay was charged on my credit card. I faxed them the details and they immediately put through the credit on my Mastercard. The hotel is very reputable, IMHO.

I had to cancel a trip for which I sent in a initial one night deposit. The cancellation policy indicated my cancellation was too late for a refund. However, they tracked it and let me use the deposit for a stay 2 years later. Excellent customer service IMO. However, given that today's exchange rate is 1 Euro = $1.19, $230 is too high (not to quibble over $22 or so).

I emailed them back and asked if I could make the deposit on the credit card and they said it was okay. Thanks for all your help!