Hi everyone, I have done so much research that I think I have done too much! Here is my question, as of today, I have not yet booked a Hotel or B&B. As many of you might know I am still searching...anyway....would you all book now? Do many Hotels and B&B's really book up that fast? I was trying to wait until maybe March....do you think that is too long to wait? Looking for 3 star. Thanks so much!
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
7737 posts
Um, when are you going to be there? :-)
Posted by
OP
Saugus, MA, USA
48 posts
So sorry (see what I mean, my brain is fried) June 14-20 2011.
Posted by
Eugene, Oregon, USA
959 posts
Wouldn't even be looking till March unless there is a very special and specific place you want, ie, a revisit.
Do you have your flight already?
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
7737 posts
I don't book lodging until I've got my airline tickets. I'm working with a great travel agent (we've used her before) for our next trip to Italy in late May, and she said to wait until January to consider buying tickets for the flight. Airlines haven't started doing any kind of discounts yet for something as far away as June.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32349 posts
Teresa, as the others have said, booking your Hotel early next year should be adequate. What method are you using to choose Hotels (Guidebook, Trip Advisor)? The "Italy 2011" Guidebook is now available, and has listings for good Hotels in various parts of Rome (along with prices, web addresses, etc.).
Posted by
OP
Saugus, MA, USA
48 posts
Thanks Michael,
One of the reasons we are having the problem with flight cost is that we do not want to fly open jaw. We want to stay in Rome only for hour honeymoon. This is our first trip to Rome/Europe and I really want to take my time and do things on my time frame vs running all around. So I think that is why I can't find a decent fligth at this time. But will take your advice (as everyone else's) and keep looking what can it hurt. Maybe we will get lucky.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32349 posts
Teresa, a few comments on Travel Agents. Not all of them are like the ones you encountered. TA's tend to emphasize travel products they receive commission from, and with more people using the internet lately I'm sure their business has suffered. ¶ I ALWAYS use a Travel Agent for things like booking international flights, Hotels in areas that aren't covered by the Guidebooks and car rental. I use RS Guidebooks almost exclusively for choosing Hotels in Europe, as the listings are current and I like to be able to choose not only the area to stay in, but also the price range. ¶ As this is your first trip to Europe, you might want to pre-read the Guidebook "Europe Through The Back Door", as that will provide lots of information on how to travel "well" in Europe. ¶ Congratulations!
Posted by
OP
Saugus, MA, USA
48 posts
Wow thanks for all the great advice. I too, thought it was too early and wanted to wait. I have been looking on Trip Advisor, Expedia (just for comparison prices), venere, travelocity, BJ's, and many more. I have had terrible experience with travel agents, they have lead me the wrong way telling me things like don't trust Trip Advisor nor Rick Steves...so you know they are not being used now.
I really appreciate having a place to go for honest feedback. Thanks I will wait.
Posted by
Douglas, Georgia, USA
27 posts
Teresa,
Although I respect Michael's opinion on waiting on flights, I booked mine last month for May/June 2011 for under $900 open jaw (into Rome out of Milan).
My point is I think you start looking now.
You never know when you find a great deal that you can't pass up. My deal was with USAir and only lasted a week.
As far as hotels, I book as far in advance as I can. The best/most inexpensive places book quickly. We are renting an apartment in Rome instead of hotel because of where we want to stay and the cost to stay there (near Spanish Steps and Trevi).
Good luck.
Mike
Posted by
Lima, Perú
126 posts
I also like planning early, but I agree with others, I think you can wait for the hotel reservation until next year - March would be ok. In the meantime, I would suggest getting the a 2011 Italy/Rome travel guide and start reading and deciding what you want to see and how to get there, etc. You can also have fun looking up recommended hotels/B&Bs on the internet and making notes as to which you'd like to stay at. I always use Tripadvisor to double-check recommendations.
As far as airfares, I would just keep looking right now. Do you have a number ($) in mind with which you're comfortable? I mean, what is the most you would spend for airfare? We usually look for tickets 3 months in advance. We are in Denver right now, and we have flown from here to Rome for approx. $575 in the Summer-high season ('07). However, we have also bought tickets 1 month in advance, and I know we're paying more than we could have buying earlier, but it's not a big deal. We can still live with the ticket price.
Have fun planning!