Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Making Hotel Reservations
Given the good value of the accommodations I've found for this topic, I'd
recommend that you reserve your rooms several weeks in advance—or
as soon as you've pinned down your travel dates—particularly if you'll
be traveling during peak times (especially in the capitals during conven-
tions). Note that some national holidays jam things up and merit your
making reservations far in advance (see the “Holidays and Festivals” on
Requesting a Reservation:
It's usually easiest to book your room
through the hotel's website; many have a reservation-request form built
right in. (For the best rates, be sure to use the hotel's official site and not
a booking agency's site.) Just type in your preferred dates and the web-
site will automatically display a list of available rooms and prices. Sim-
pler websites will generate an email to the hotelier with your request. If
there's no reservation form, or for complicated requests, send an email.
Other options include calling (see “Phoning” next page, and be mindful of
time zones) or faxing.
The hotelier wants to know these key pieces of information (also in-
cluded in the sample request form in the appendix):
• number and type of rooms
• number of nights
• date of arrival
• date of departure
• any special needs (such as bathroom in the room or down the hall, twin
beds vs. double bed, air-conditioning, quiet, view, ground floor, etc.)
When you request a room, use the European style for writing dates:
day/month/year.Forexample, foratwo-nightstayinJulyof2014,Iwould
request: “1 double room for 2 nights, arrive 16/07/2014, depart 18/07/
2014.” Consider in advance how long you'll stay; don't just assume you
