booking hotel for May 2014

It depends on the property. I would try in October if you don't get a response in the next couple of weeks. The holdup may be that this property has not set its rates yet for May 2014.

You can always use the telephone, too.

Hi Cathy! - I am actually in the planning stage of a trip for May, 2014 also. I have contacted many hotels and apartments already, and some tell me that it's too early and to contact them in a few months, while others tell me it's never too early and are ready for me to reserve today. So I guess much depends on the property. It never hurts to try early. I don't think 5 days with out a reply is that long to be concerned over, especially considering you have almost 9 months to work with, but if you are that concerned, I would contact them again. If they need you wait, they will let you know.

It's never too early if you are within the year.... I use Booking.com often because you don;t have to contact every individual hotel or B&B. Some small places will delay responding if you aren't staying at least 3 nights because they are hoping for longer stays to book, but Booking.com doesn't discriminate. Although some places do require a minimum stay.

I use booking.com a lot, too, and sometimes a particular proprty that I am interested in is not listed as available because they have't set their rates yet. A couple of months later, the property is listed. So if you want a particular place, you may need to wait; if you want to make a reservation now, you can find listings.