Trustworthy website?
Aug 3rd, 2004, 05:35 PM
#1
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Trustworthy website?
I'm in the process of searching and booking hotels throughout France on the Internet. I stumbled upon the France-Hotel-Bookings.com website and have recently received emails from them (2 the exact same at 2 different addresses)stating I need to send my credit card number within 12 hours or lose the room (there is only one room left). Has anyone ever used this site and if yes, is it trustworthy and worth my time. Does anyone have any recommendations for other sites for hotels in France? Please help, don't want to be scammed out of money on honeymoon!
Aug 3rd, 2004, 05:46 PM
#2
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Don't forget that your credit card usually comes with built-in protection for fraud on any amount beyond $50.00.
If you are worried about the booking service, once you receive a confirmation contact the hotel directly and verify that the booking has been made and is confirmed.
You could also try the numerous other booking services such as SRS-world hotels. com or Hotelbook. com or Utell among others.
Good luck.
If you are worried about the booking service, once you receive a confirmation contact the hotel directly and verify that the booking has been made and is confirmed.
You could also try the numerous other booking services such as SRS-world hotels. com or Hotelbook. com or Utell among others.
Good luck.
Aug 3rd, 2004, 06:00 PM
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I prefer to shop booking websites, but book directly. Nearly all hotels have a reservations clerk that speaks English, most have a fax, and many have e-mail addresses.
More often than not, I find the rates exactly the same, or lower, by booking directly.
In my experience, it's better to book directly than third-party.
Another thing I've learned is to re-confirm (if I've booked way ahead) once I've booked the airline tickets. And, re-confirm once again a few days before departure. And, it is essential to advise if you will be checking in after 6PM. Many have reported finding their rooms no longer available, even if prepaid, when checking in later than 6PM.
If you are using a booking agent, it is absolutely essential to document everything should you ever need to dispute a charge.
At any rate, whenever the booking process arouses concerns, discomfort, suspicions, that should tell you something.
More often than not, I find the rates exactly the same, or lower, by booking directly.
In my experience, it's better to book directly than third-party.
Another thing I've learned is to re-confirm (if I've booked way ahead) once I've booked the airline tickets. And, re-confirm once again a few days before departure. And, it is essential to advise if you will be checking in after 6PM. Many have reported finding their rooms no longer available, even if prepaid, when checking in later than 6PM.
If you are using a booking agent, it is absolutely essential to document everything should you ever need to dispute a charge.
At any rate, whenever the booking process arouses concerns, discomfort, suspicions, that should tell you something.
Aug 4th, 2004, 02:12 PM
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Thanks for all the info. A friend also advised me to call directly to the hotel. I do like to browse the sites though for all the different hotels. And to answer Willtravel - going to France at end of September/October. Thanks again everyone.
Aug 4th, 2004, 03:39 PM
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I agree with djkbooks, and act like him most of the time. Specially in Europe regarding small hotels.
When it is the hotel webside like in the case of large chains like Accor I do it directly in the web.
The last room routine sounds too much.
When it is the hotel webside like in the case of large chains like Accor I do it directly in the web.
The last room routine sounds too much.
