I am planning a two week visit to Hallstatt next May, and sent for tourist information and listings of all B+B accommodations. I fell in love with a lovely place on the lake, and the price in the catalogue was very reasonable at 25 euro per person for a stay longer than 3 days. So I emailed my inquiry about making a reservation, and was told that since the room held 4 people, she was hesitant to rent it to just one person, and her original (emailed) quote was 50 euro a day, but would give me the room (a large room, with a lovely lake view, balcony, bathroom en-suite, and a full breakfast buffet, that allows dogs) for 40 euro a day which includes all local taxes and the extra charge for the dog ( a common practise). Since I had fallen in love with this room I accepted it, but I did feel that the brochure listing was a little deceptive. As a solo traveler, I find very few places have single rooms so I usually end up in a double, paying the "per person" advertised price, in this case, 25 euro. But it was an extra large room, with 4 beds, for 4 people, in May, for two weeks. Her communication with me regarding this was prompt and cordial, but I wonder now if it's too much to pay and/or it was deceptive advertising. The room is quite lovely and comfortable, she was very gracious about the dog, so i will not cancel it. But I'd like to pay less....any advise?
Posted by
OP
chicago, il, usa
171 posts
My dog is what we call a psychiatric service animal. I suffer from depression and anxiety disorder, and my dog alerts to symptoms of this - panic attacks, disassociation, etc. He's been to Europe with me 5 times now, flying in a carrier under the seat in the cabin with me. He is so very well behaved, and a great help to me in every way. I am so appreciative that everywhere we've been he was welcomed, with special treatment and attention. All the "cheap" B+B places I've ever stayed have been SO NICE to him!! In one nice place in Quedlinsburg, the cook brought him out his own breakast on a little plate every morning - a big, juicy weisswurst! - not what his vet would have him eat, but he sure loved it, and I was so touched by the generosity. It's never difficult to travel with him. Before we go, we review travel skills - how to sit in a cafe unobtrusively, how to board a bus or train, how to guard the luggage, and how to walk through crowded noisy places like train stations without being distracted. He's a pro! He's a Dachshund!! And he's my best friend!!!
Posted by
Pacific Northwest
347 posts
I would say you are staying in a room with four beds. At the advertised rate of 25 euros per person, she could be making 100 euros per night on the room. She is offering it to you at much less than that. I think to nit-pick is inappropriate. Plus 40 euros per night with a good location. Just my thoughts.
Posted by
Sacramento, California U.S.A.
10597 posts
I have to agree with Cary. She could make more money to rent it to 4 people. You like the location and the money is decent. I personally would not complain. You can always try to find a place you may not like as much and maybe pay a little less money. Only you can decide if location is more important than feeling like she is taking advantage of you. IMO she is being more than fair.
Posted by
OP
chicago, il, usa
171 posts
Thanks Steve! I really did appreciate the fact that she made me an offer of a discounted rate (40 euro). I felt that for such a nice room in the center of Hallstatt, with a perfect view, 25 euro was almost unbelievable anyway. I usually try for the least expensive rooms I can get, but I've learned you can't make that an absolute rule. I travel alone, with my dog, who gets tired, and we spend time in our room relaxing, so it's worth it to me to be comfortable. I was happy, too, that she was willing to reserve the room so far in advance.
Posted by
OP
chicago, il, usa
171 posts
ps. my dog is a service dog
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32349 posts
Karen,
I have to agree with the others. The onwer of the B&B could normally rent that room to a group of four and obtain more rent than the amount she's charging you. At that time of year, it's quite possible that she had others interested in that room. I think her compromise was more than fair.
Happy travels!
Posted by
OP
chicago, il, usa
171 posts
Thanks! I was just wondering about it. I never assumed she was trying to rip me off or anything like that. I'm used to paying as little as possible for a room, and so usually end up in smaller rooms for about 20 - 30 euro. I love to travel, but have a limited budget, so I plan well in advance to get good deals. The room was advertised as a double, not one with four beds, and so I didn't know it was such a big room when I fell in love with it. I'm gonna have alot of space!!! I certainly don't want to nitpick or complain about the deal I got. I'll be there for two weeks, so the total amount is disconcertingly more than I usually pay, but I have lots of time to save up:)
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32349 posts
Karen,
That's a LONG time to spend in Hallstatt. You'll certainly have time to visit all the local sights and will be thoroughly familiar with the town after your visit!
The Salt Mine tour is very interesting, but I'm not sure whether your Dog would be able to slide down the wooden rail. If your budget will allow, you might consider a fine hot meal at Hotel Grüner Baum. As I recall, there's an Internet Café & Bar a short walk from the Hotel, which opened in 2008.
Cheers!
Posted by
OP
chicago, il, usa
171 posts
Last year I spent two weeks in the Berchtesgaden area, and I discovered the joys of choosing one place to stay and get comfortable. It was very relaxing. I chose Hallstatt because of the local hiking opportunities. I also plan to take some day trips around the area and rent a boat on the lake. There's so many lovely places in Austria, and I find it's very affordable. I've been to Europe a number of times, and for now, I'm into staying in one place and getting to know it. I travel alone, and this works for me. Thanks for the tips! I probably won't let Schatzi go down the slide, unless he insists.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32349 posts
Karen,
Just to clarify, my previous comment about the dog sliding down the wooden rail was somewhat "tongue in cheek".
As I recall, there are wooden stairs next to the slides, but you may want to confirm that if you decide to take the tour. Who knows, Schatzi might enjoy the tour?
Be sure to stop for a "cool one" and perhaps some lunch on the patio at Rudolfsturm, which is the large Castle at the top of the Funicular. It originally housed the soldiers that guarded the Salt Mines. The view of the lake, mountains and part of the town from there is incredible!
Cheers!