Hello travelers! I was wondering if anyone knows whether or not the Hotel Royal Victoria in Varenna, Italy gives Rick Steves Tour members a special discount when booking a room for the night before the start of the Italy in 17 Days tour? This hotel is where the tour will begin, and my husband and I would like to check in to the hotel a day or two before the actual tour starts.
I appreciate any information that can be shared!
Jan & Stan/Austin, Tx.
Posted by
11156 posts
Why don’t you call the Rick Steve’s office in WA and/or email the hotel with your question?
Posted by
Sapulpa, OK, USA
6292 posts
The only way to be sure is to email or phone the hotel directly. We have found that most hotels RS uses do indeed offer some sort of discount. Sometimes it's a cash discount; sometimes it's a free breakfast. (Your breakfasts on the tour will be included; pre- and post-tour, however, that depends on the hotel.)
We have had one hotel that advertised a RS discount, but then refused to honor it; and another that charged more with the "discount."
Caveat emptor. But do get in touch with the hotel yourself. You will often get a better price that way anyway, and if they know you're on a RS tour they will go ahead and book you, even if their website or a booking agency posts "no availability for your dates."
Posted by
OP
Austin, Texas
8 posts
Great advice Suki and Jane. I will check with the hotel and see what they say. My tour isn't happening until 2022, but I'm so anxious to travel, I'm already starting to plan in advance.
Many thanks to you both!
Posted by
Edmonds, WA 🌨 ☂
11179 posts
The easiest way to get an answer is to contact the hotel, advise you will be on an RS tour, and ask what rate they will give you for the pre-tour day(s).
Posted by
South Carolina, USA
103 posts
Also compare your RS pre-tour rate at the Royal Victoria to the Hotel Villa Cipressi next door. I understand these two to be corporate cousins. They may have a discount rate for RS clients as he has used it for tours in the past. There is a small footbridge connecting the two properties lower garden terraces on the lakeside, or a short walk on the street/sidewalk out front.