Cash Deposit for B&B

Check this RS website for a similar question & answers. :-)
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/france/putting-a-deposit-on-a-b-b-gites-de-france

I've stayed at B&B's that didn't accept credit cards, but would accept a credit card number as a deposit. I would then pay cash when I was there. I would hesitate to send a cash deposit to a B&B. Personally I would just find another place to stay.

We have had this request from B&Bs as well. When I explained to them that it is not possible for me to send a deposit in Euros from the US, they have always responded with an apology and told me with American tourists they accept a check made out in dollars. They want to be paid in cash (Euros) when you stay there. They just hold the check you send in case of a no-show. While this has made me a little nervous, we have never had a problem. Each B&B has always handed us our check when we arrived, which we then ripped up.

My suggestion is to email them and ask how they recommend sending your deposit from the United States, explaining that you cannot write a check made out in Euros.

We had the same experience as Barbara -- mail them a check and they'll return it when you pay cash in person. They'd rather not bring a foreign check to their bank but they want some security that you'll show up. If they're not set up for credit cards, or PayPal, see if they'll take your check by mail. You're in touch with them by e-mail, right?

Otherwise, I'd say look for another place.

Bank transfers or International money orders are the easiest way BUT are expensive - upwards of $50.

I recently had the same experience with a request for a check for an apartment in Paris. I sent the check for $200. When we arrived last month the check was returned to us after we paid cash for the rental. The previous apartment I rented in Paris required a bank transfer for the deposit. It was way too expensive and I will never do that again.

Thanks to all who replied,I travel in Europe six weeks a year and never encountered this before but their reviews are outstanding.
Thanks
Mike

Our last trip is the first time we ran across the same problem. We had three B & B's ask for money transfers for the deposit. One was set up for paypal so we did that. The other set paypal up for our transaction and we did incur about a $5.00 fee, but the B & B was one with great reviews and we really wanted to stay there. So, it worked fine. The third agreed to not worry about the deposit. My impression is that they are unaware of how expensive it is for us to make a bank transfer. Once I told them, they were willing to work with me.

If they won't take a personal check and want a cashier's check, traveler's check, or bank transfer, then I just wouldn't bother, because of the extra hassle. Consider your deposit to be nonrefundable.

I have a similar experience to the others. I have an apartment in Paris reserved for 8 days in June. The landlord accepted a deposit check in dollars, and said he'd return that, uncashed, when I pay in cash on my arrival.

The next problem, though, is that I pointed out that the amount due in cash far exceeds my daily limit for withdrawals via debit card. He graciously offered to allow me to pay over a period of a few days. I was gratified at the accommodation.

Mike, I'd like to toss in a "it depends". The previous posters have all made good points. I've found many B&B and small family hotel owners very appreciative of cash payments if not offering modest discounts for cash. But, to your question of making a cash deposit: how important is this particular B&B to you and your itinerary? If you've other good options in St. Malo, the choice would seem clear to me - reserve elsewhere.
Last summer, in our first trip to Santorini, I had my heart set on staying at the Chelidonias Villas; they came HIGHLY regarded both in Trip Advisor and by members of the RS community. Any way, the owner was very adament about securing a cash deposit via PayPal or sending a bank wire (cost me $35); I can appreciate her concern at having 100% occupancy during the high season not to mention her efforts in mimizing the exhorbinant bank fees she'd be charged from VISA or MC - so I sent her the 50% (cash) deposit.
Safe travels.

Here is the update,I went to my bank today and for $35 transfered 100 euro $129.50 to the bank of the B&B,I chose to do it because of the reviews and the view,it is 300 meters from the water and in the heart of town with a terrific breakfast included.
Mike

I have had a similar request from an apartment owner on vrbo. She insisted on the deposit first, then the additional amount via bank transfer; she explained in an email that she had lost a great deal of money with last minute cancellations, bad credit cards, etc. i too, booked on the many recommendations that were on vrbo.

Bank transfer is very cheap in the eurozone, mostly free of charge for both parties. Even from a UK sterling account this can be done for a few pounds plus the currency conversion from the right bank.

The USA retail offering is poor in this area, probably through a lack of demand.

So Mike, you gotta do what you gotta do. $35 to move $129. Score another win for the rapacious banks! I don't think it's lack of demand, I think it's our US banks squeezing every fee they can out of everyone they can (namely us little consumers).

So now put it behind you and enjoy your trip, I hope the St-Malo B&B is everything you hope for!