Questions about the Rick Steves rate at hotel Voltera in Italy

Posted by blibla73 on 03/15/16 05:17 AM

I just booked a room at the hotel Volterra in Volterra Italy. They offered me the rate of 110 Euro (approx 122$ ) with the 10% discount for finding them through the Rick Steves book so approx. 110$.
However, after booking the room I happened to check on Booking.com, Expedia etc. and the rates there were around 85$ plus tax so I feel kind of duped.
Usually I would shop around through online booking sites but I figured I was doing the right thing and getting a good rate while having the funds go directly to the hotel- clearly I was wrong. Any suggestions?

thanks

Posted by Maggie

TN, USA

03/15/16 12:46 PM

2114 posts

Suggest just very kindly emailing the hotel, tell them how much you are looking forward to your visit to Volterra, and ask if they can offer you the same rate as booking.com When I've later found a better rate at any hotel (and I usually check a time or two between when I made my reservation and when I actually travel), I've never had a hotel turn down a kind request.

But, be sure it's an apples-to-apples comparison. Does the booking.com site include all the taxes/VAT, whatever, etc. in its rate? Does your room rate include breakfast, whereas the other might not? Are the rooms the same size/view, etc.?

Posted by blibla73 OP

03/15/16 02:42 PM

2 posts

Thank you Margaret. I will contact the hotel as you suggested and I have learned a lesson.

Posted by pat

victoria, Canada

03/16/16 05:57 AM

11507 posts

I never book non refundable rates.

I would cancel and rebook on booking.com

Posted by Gretchen

Seattle, WA, US

04/13/16 06:15 AM

232 posts

You'll love Volterra!!

Are you doing a walking tour with Annie Adair? She is AMAZING. Like if your best friend was also a history professor. Her tour was one of the highlights of our trip to Italy!

Posted by Douglas

Oak Park, Illinois

04/13/16 02:44 PM

4535 posts

As suggested, make sure you are comparing equally. That all taxes and fees are included in both rates. That room types are equal. Be especially diligent about the terms. Many hotels offer deeply discounted rates for advance booking and payment with no-cancelation. And they are extremely strict about the no-cancelation policy (your risk versus higher reward). If indeed all things are equal then ask about the cheaper rate.

Lesson learned here is that the RS discount is likely taken from a standard room rate. But may hotels will offer discounts and promotions to fill rooms that may offer a better rate. Always check.