Confirming accomodation prior to arriving

Can’t hurt. I keep confirmations on my phone AND print a paper copy. Old school, literal paper trail.

Save the email exchanges and jot down the name of the staff member who sent it.

We used to do that but haven’t in many years. It is a good idea!

I still do it, every time. I'm a senior woman who travels solo and I don't want to show up and find myself out in the cold (so to speak). Better safe than sorry.

I always confirm my travel arrangements a week or so prior to traveling, especially if I will be arriving early or really late. I don’t know if it is necessary, but makes me feel better that everything is set for my arrival.

My husband always does this. We usually try to book smaller hotels. As well as confirming our reservation it also sets up an opportunity to create a rapport with the owner or front desk staff. Great way to get local restaurant recommendations.

I don’t confirm the reservations I make through Booking.com for smaller hotels or B&B’s. I would for something like an AirBnB - haven’t used them in Europe.

I don't usually do that--partly because I make so many reservations only days before arrival--but I think it's a good idea. It's an opportunity to reinforce what characteristics your room needs to have--set up with one large bed or two smaller ones, for example. Last year I arrived in the evening at a hotel where I had reserved a twin room and found they hadn't split the bed. My travel mate and I spent over half an hour in the lobby, waiting for that to happen. I imagine that would have been avoided if I had sent a message a day or two ahead of time, mentioning the type of room I had booked.

The same goes for air conditioning in hotels that have some rooms without that feature and tub-vs-shower if that is important to you.

Sometimes I do and sometimes I don't. If I have any questions, I will message the hotel and ask, and then that is a good way to confirm that my reservation went through. Many times though the hotel/host will message and ask me questions such as estimated time of arrival, or will provide the door code, etc.

I confirm all my hotel, b&b reservations about a month before I leave home. Since I make reservations far in advance, it eases my peace of mind. I also keep email confirmations in a trip email file.

I confirm about 2 weeks out, sometimes by contacting the property with a question. I also print my reservation confirmations and keep the emails in a separate folder on my phone so they’re easy to find.

With Booking.com, AirBnB, VRBO or other companies I like to just send a heads up or friendly reminder of when my arrival is scheduled the day prior or any delays that occur in route.

Thanks for all the comments. I think I will contact them about a month before to advise of our arrival times.

I've done that in the past but rarely.

The last time was ca. 15 years ago in Berlin, called the Pension from a pay phone in the Berlin Hbf to inform the Pension that I had just arrived and would be at their doorstep in about an hour. Why, mainly as a courtesy to the proprietor, that it would be appreciated by her.

I always do.
Often, the host or hotel will contact you a few days before arrival too.
I also print on paper, all confirmations and terms, including final pricing.
I screenshot them too.

Always have a folder with a paper copy.....of everythig. Did you ever lose your phone? I have (not in Europe but still) and it is a total disaster. Or your phone could simply die. So easy to stuff that folder in the backpack.

I find with Bookimg.com, the majority of my stays, there really is no need. There are usually massages from the property, updates, information about arrival sent out, that there is a communication line. Not like years ago where you contacted a place by phone or letter, and no communication until you walk in the door.

Same with places I book through my IHG app, again, there is usually some notification a few days before the stay.

I suppose if you still do independent bookings by phone or email, then sure, touching base the week before might be a good idea.