I tried to reserve a room on line at www.casasantasofia.it and found that the rooms were unavailiable for our dates in May. However when I emailed them directly, Michele responded saying that the following rooms were availaible, she sent a grid with single, double and triple rooms but without any numbers of availiablity next to them. she also said we can book with her if we send earnest money. I'm confused, was this a generic email or is this really how I should reserved our rooms?
Thank you!
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
7737 posts
What method did she tell you to use to send the "earnest money"? Because this is a convent/monastery stay and because this is Italy, I wouldn't be too freaked out about the discrepancy between the online form and the email. But I would be concerned about just how they want that money in advance.
Posted by
OP
Albuquerque
4 posts
we haven't gotten that far. So far she's re-opened the web site to allow booking but I'm having difficulty booking 2 rooms. what is the "usual" way to send the earnest money?
Thank you!
Posted by
Toledo, Ohio, US
11613 posts
I stayed at Casa Santa Sofia two years ago, but I booked through monasterstays.com so I didn't send "earnest money" (although I paid a commission to the booking company). I mention this because I feel better dealing with a booking service if I'm using a property for the first time. If you want to call instead of handling it via email, you may get better information.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
7737 posts
There is no "usual" way to send money to Italy. Some places request bank transfers, but they cost way too much. Some places have a Paypal account set up. You should ask her.
Posted by
San Jose, CA
1994 posts
Assuming that's a convent, you might consider booking through monasterystay.com, if you have concerns. That will eliminate the problem. I usually book convents directly, but the one time I used monasterystays, they were good. Depending on your language skills, you could also call the convent, but be aware that often, no one speaks English.
Posted by
Toledo, Ohio, US
11613 posts
I recall one sister at Casa Santa Sofia speaking perfect English, if she's no longer there, probably another sister will speak English. Worth a phone call.
Posted by
OP
Albuquerque
4 posts
Thank you everyone for the feedback, it has been very helpful! I went online to monesterystay.com and had success booking through them. Thanks again! :)