The recommended Pensione La Calcina is requiring a cash deposit in advance by personal check. This doesn't seem right or safe, and we've never done this before with <BR>other recommended hotels in Venice. Any advice? We're getting down to the wire, here. Thanks

Assuming that the pensione does not take credit cards, this is fair request. It's an assurance that if you do not show up, they will not lose out. Did you have to give a credit card number for other hotels in the past in the past? I cannot believe that you didn't have to give some sort of deposit. <BR>A request of this nature is not unheard of, in the U.S. as well as elsewhere. For example, I've had to send in a personal check at least three different times in advance when making room reservations in U.S. national parks.

We do advance deposits all the time in US and Europe. No big deal. The Al Gambero is another nice hotel in Venice if you are having problems with this one and they also wanted a deposit.

I stayed at the Pensione Accademia in January, and they also required an advance deposit of one night's room rate by personal check (even though they take credit cards). I brought the cancelled check with me just in case, but there was no problem. I'm not sure why they required the check, rather than taking the deposit on the credit card, but it worked out fine.

I stayed at a pension in Capri and paid before leaving home by international bank draft. Upon checking out of the pension, I was asked to pay the bill! Luckily I kept the receipt for the cheque they had posted to me before I left home. Make sure you receive and bring your receipt(s) with you, otherwise you might have to pay twice!!

Pensione La Calcina: It is really quite safe and normal to send a cash advance. We made our inquiry first by phone and followed up with a fax. Upon receipt of fax the hotel let us know exactly how much we had to send in US$ for one night's deposit. We kept records of everything and brought them with us. We were able to pay for the rest by Visa card when we checked out. They were very accomodating and helpful in splitting the bill between my friend and I since we each has used other hotel services (bar and snack services, fax and phone). We paid for some with unused traveller's checks and lire to use them up before we returned to the US, and put the remainder on Visa - pretty complicated but they were very friendly and helpful. Another friend with a single room did the exact same thing and it worked out fine for her, too.

Maggie, <BR>At first i thought the same as you; we will be staying there this spring. However, through further investigation this is very common request. i would not worry.

I don't know if you have already left or not, but usually the cash (credit) is not a problem. If you do have one, I stayed at Ambassador Tre Rose in St. Marks square and they didn't require one. I loved that hotel. But in any event have fun, fun, fun till your Daddy takes your Tbird away !!!!!