Cimbrone

After many emails and phone calls, I finally received an answer to my request for a reservation from my hotel in the Engadine. They have availability but they also say that "50% of the total number of days will be charged for any cancellation." Is it possible that they will charge this amount at any point between now and our July stay?

Language has been a problem, and I have reason to believe we are just now hearing back from them due to limited access to someone who can handle my English emails. So while I'd like to simply ask them in English to clarify their policy, I fear it could start a whole new series of emails and phone calls in which we don't understand each other.

Could someone tell me how, in Italian or German, to ask "how long prior to the beginning date of my reservation will I forfeit 50% of the cost of my stay due to cancellation?" Or something to that effect.

Thanks for any advice/translation services!

abbydog

Hi! I've been using an online free translation service that seems to work pretty well -- you just paste in what you want to say in English and it translates into whatever language you want. The link is:
http://translation2.paralink.com/

Cimbrone

Wow, abbeydog. That seems to have worked great. I sent the question and am hoping for the best. Thanks!

Ingo

Cimbrone, sorry to say that, but I think yes, you understood correctly. If you make a reservation now then a cancellation anytime will cost 50% of the total amount. This is common in small mountain towns/villages and small hotels anywhere in the Alps. And I guess we're talking about a small hotel in Soglio here, which is actually in the Bregaglia valley, not the Engadine.

I.

Cimbrone

Yes, Ingo, the Palazzo Salis. Ouch! That's quite a penalty!

I think I've already annoyed them. I doubt they'll appreciate this latest question I've sent them.

I hate to make such a commitment so early. Who knows what could happen within five months?

And thanks for the correction. I frequently mistake the Bregaglia for the Engadine. I must work on that.

ira

Hi C,

>I hate to make such a commitment so early. Who knows what could happen within five months?

That is why people buy travel insurance.

www.insuremytrip.com

nytraveler

Well - you might not like to make a commitment - but you have put them in the position of making a commitment. A small hotel in an area like that can't overbook and "walk" people if too many turn up - as a large hotel in London or Paris can. So - if you're asking them to hold the room for you, it;s only fair you take part of the risk.