Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Always Book Direct
For the best price, send your email straight to the
soba
host or hotelier who rents the
rooms. The rates I list in this topic assume you're booking directly.
You may be tempted to book through a third-party website (such as the popular
Booking.com), but—because these take a hefty commission—your host will often
charge you higher rates to make up the difference.
The importance of booking direct can't be overstated. Several
soba
hosts I list in
this topic told me that some of my readers have emailed them to check availability,
and then proceeded to book through a third party. This makes zero sense and costs
everybody more money—except the middleman. Making your reservation directly
with the host also gives you the opportunity to ask any questions you have about the
accommodations, and to start to get to know the person you're staying with. Perhaps
most important, many
soba
hosts offer lower prices if you book direct. Any special
prices or discounts I've negotiated for this topic are invalidated if you use a middle-
man.
As you look over the listings, you'll notice that some accommodations promise
specialpricestoRickStevesreaderswhobookdirectlywiththe
soba
hostorhotelier.
To get these rates, you must email or call your host directly, mention this topic when
you reserve, and then show the topic upon arrival. Rick Steves discounts apply to
readers with ebooks as well as printed topics. Because we trust hosts and hotels to
honor this, please let me know if you don't receive a listed discount. Note, though,
that discounts understandably may not be applied to promotional rates.
Since the best-value
sobe
deservedly book up early, reservations are highly recommen-
ded. It's important to
book directly
with your host (see the sidebar). After you've reserved,
keep in mind that your host loses money if you don't show up. For this reason, some hosts
may request your credit-card number to secure the reservation. (They'll generally ask for
payment in cash when you're there; your credit card won't be charged.) A few hosts might
ask you to wire or mail money as a deposit. Because wiring money can come with substan-
tial fees—which you (rather than the
soba
host) will incur—it usually works better to mail
them a check or travelers check. Ask your
soba
host which options they accept.
