Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Book direct. If you buy the lodging vouchers sold by many US travel agents (see side-
bar), you'll only be taking money from the innkeeper and putting it in the pocket of a
middleman. If you have a local TI book a room for you, it'll take a 10 percent commission
from the B&B and may charge you up to €5. But if you book direct, the B&B gets it all,
and you'll have a better chance of getting a discount. I have negotiated special prices with
this topic (often for payment in cash).
Small hotels and B&Bs come with their own etiquette and quirks. Keep in mind that
B&B owners are at the whim of their guests—if you're getting up early, so are they; and if
you check in late, they'll wait up for you. It's polite to call ahead to confirm your reserva-
tion the day before and give them a rough estimate of your arrival time. This allows your
hosts to plan their day and run errands before or after you arrive...and also allows them to
give you specific directions for driving or walking to their place.
A few tips: B&B proprietors are selective as to whom they invite in for the night. At
some B&Bs, children are not welcome. Risky-looking people (two or more single men are
often assumed to be troublemakers) find many places suddenly full. If you'll be staying
for more than one night, you are a “desirable.” In popular weekend-getaway spots, you're
unlikely to find a place to take you for Saturday night only. If my listings are full, ask for
guidance. (Mentioning this topic can help.) Owners usually work together and can call up
an ally to land you a bed.
