Prepaid Reservations?
 

I've been trying to book a rental car and a couple nights in the hotel via the internet. I am apparently working with travel agencies, not directly with the company/hotel. This would be OK but they want full payment in advance. Is this customary? Should I try to contact the car company and hotel directly?

TIA
Deb

It's all too common on the internet, and a BIG reason why it's almost always better to book direct with a hotel's 800 number or a hotel's own web site when you can. Well, that and the fact that MOST internet travel sites don't let you cancel reservations, or impose penalties when you do, whereas booking with the hotel directly tends not to do that.

Also try using the rental car companies own sites. Last time I booked a car via the Dollar rental site I did *NOT* prepay -- in fact, I didn't even have to put in a credit card number.

As always "Look before you book".

Buen viaje!
Mark
www.tiogringo.com

Travel agents usually do require full payment in advance. I would second the suggestion to deal with the hotels and rental car companies directly (internet/fax/phone all work well).

It's trickier than it sounds! I'm trying to get hold of a rental car company but even the 800 number leads back to the travel agency. I'll keep digging.

Deb

Dear Deb,
from my experience, dollar rent a car usually have the best rents (www.dollar.com), especially online. It is worth trying and their 800 number, as far as I know, goes directly to them.
Good luck!
Feel free to write me directly if you need any more help. If you have trouble making reservations with hotels in CR, let me know, I know many of them and can call them directly from here.
Pura Vida,
Neta Talmor

Deb,
I agree about Dollar rental. We have had GREAT luck with them. In the past, I have e-mailed a man named Ivan Segura, and he has always quoted me better prices than it shows at their website. You can write him at [email protected]

Thank you all. I did get through today and reserved a car with Dollar. I was also able to get my hotel reservation.

I have to say that this was all very stressful! But now I can relax for the next couple months.

Deb