My friends and I are confused about the payment policy at the Hotel Santa Maria in Trastevere. They have requested cash. Does this mean that we have to have well over 1,000.00 euros to settle the bill? It just seems awkward to have that much cash on hand while traveling. If anyone has stayed at the hotel, I'd appreciate some clarification. Thanks!
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
7737 posts
That is indeed what they mean. Italy is a much more cash-based society than the US, especially when you're talking about smaller businesses such as this hotel. Do they want payment on check-in or on departure? If on departure, you'll have plenty of time to hit ATMs to get that total.
Posted by
Washington DC Region, USA
7054 posts
If you have a daily maximum amount you can withdraw from an ATM, just tell them you need to split up the payments. I had to do that at an apartment in Istanbul, although it was a much smaller amount. I would not recommend withdrawing huge wads of cash and carrying it around anywhere or even leaving it in the room. I always wonder about businesses that deal only in cash - my guess is they under-report on their taxes. By the way, I saw that the hotel is available on booking.com which implies you can pay with a credit card too - just compare the prices and see if it's worth it. A lot of hotels give guests a discount for paying cash. http://www.booking.com/hotel/it/santa-maria-roma.en.html
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32404 posts
Mary Ellen, Another option would be to consider a different hotel in Trastevere, one that accepts credit cards. I can't remember for sure, but believe Casa San Guiseppe takes credit cards (you'd have to confirm that). Happy travels!
Posted by
Chicago
32 posts
I just stayed at the hotel in September 2012, and paid with a credit card. It clearly states on its website, and on the confirmation email I still have in my email, that they accept credit cards. If memory serves, I believe there is a discount if you pay with cash - I believe it's 10% - but by no means do you have to. How did they request cash payment, by the way? I have to say, please don't let this get in the way of your staying at this hotel. It's AMAZING. A wonderful property, and nothing beats having breakfast or wine in its courtyard with orange trees. It's located in a great location in Trastevere as well.