hotel reservations- how far in advance?

Now, for Cinque Terre and Venezia. The small, popular B&Bs book up fast, many with repeat guests. I have just booked my favorites for next May-June-July; lots of nights still to be booked, but I got the ones I really wanted this far out.

Justin, it's been too many years since I've been to Venice but NOW is definitely not too early to book the Cinque Terre. It's a very popular, very busy summer destination, and the more desirable accommodations book up far in advance.

The thing about the CT is that it really doesn't have any "large" hotels, or many hotels at all. You find a few (we've stayed in one of them in Monterosso) but the majority of accommodations are small guest houses, individual rental rooms and apartments.

Ok, I had a feeling that was the case. I've been planning this trip forever. Last thing I want to do is wait too long for our reservations. Thanks for the feedback.

Decisions like this usually depend on your budget and how you feel about money, deposits, pre-payments, and cancellations that come with a penalty. The easiest decisions are with penalty-free properties.

In my experience, many of the most coveted places require some kind of financial commitment in advance and have strict cancellation policies. Many places offer a discount if you pay-in-full in advance, which is great when you know your trip will not get cancelled. Sometimes you can get lucky and find a decent rate at a very nice property that is fully cancellable with no penalty up to 48 hours before arrival. The details always depend on the property and the location you desire.

I'm a big fan of booking as early as possible, especially if you have high standards and want a special location, like a room with a view. Repeat visitors have favorite lodging locations, and they often book the their favorite rooms a year in advance.

I book mine as soon as I have my dates locked down. This way the odds are better the place I want to stay has availability.

We booked our apartment in Venice three months ago for a visit next May. I have also booked an apartment a couple of weeks ago for a visit next September. Ten nights in May, seventeen nights in September.

In both cases, they are apartments where we have stayed previously, so I was able to deal direct with the owners rather than through a booking site.

My wife and I stayed in Hotel Campiello in Venice in 2015. Stayed 3 nights. GREAT location. Nice, small, clean hotel with decent free breakfast. Rate in early March was €94.00. Nice staff and spoke good English. Only a few blocks from St. Mark's Square. 25 yards off Grand Canal. Rick Steves recommended and hotel accepted his discount.

http://www.hotelcampiello.com/

Triple rooms in Europe are scarce, now is not too soon to make free cancellation reservations. I've traveled with my wife and daughter the last 5+ years and generally start booking in October, but since it is so far out, I only make free cancellation reservations. I have just started making reservations for next July.

Thanks to all who have replied. Looks like it's time to start getting those reservations in. I looked today and realized that the triple room at the hotel in Colmar, France I'd expected to book is already unavailable. Found a good alternative, but it's clear from the comments here that making reservations for a June trip should be happening right now. Much appreciated.