When in Rome.. (Or in tihis case, the BO Switzerland)

The "offer" is for a particular type of room at a set price. It is how they translate "Angebot" which you will see on the German website. It is not an " offer" to which they expect a counter-offer; indeed they would be quite surprised if you did that. Prices on the website are generally a range of prices, depending on season. So the offer is for a specific date for the specified type of room ( south facing, with balcony, etc.). I generally go for the view rooms with balcony but they are more expensive. You are free to either accept or decline the room offered. When I decline, I generally say " thank you but our plans have changed.". To accept, I say " thank you, we will take that room, how shall I confirm (bestätigen) the reservation?". In other words, do they want a credit card #( the usual case with hotels) or something else?

Thank you all so much. I wanted to make sure I wasn't missing something culturally. The "offer" responses I had received came from inquiries about the weather in May as well as to whether they were open then. Thank you also for the advice on making reservations as well. And sorry about the misspelling in the subject line. Rich

What Jill said. In German, the subject line of the email may simply say "Offerte."

Offer??? I'm not sure what that means. You can see what the exact rates are by going the hotel's web site and plugging in your probable dates. For example if you wanted to stay at the Eiger Guest House in Murren (#1 rated on trip advisor) head here: http://www.eigerguesthouse.com and click the reservation tab and you'll get the rates instantly. On another note.....Swiss Rail is offering a 2 for 1 deal on Swiss Passes for travel throughout most of April and May. For more details head here: http://www.swisstravelsystem.ch/en/content/2-for-1-offer/ If you decide to purchase tell the site that you live in Europe so you don't get redirected to Rail Europe which doesn't appear offer the special.

Rich, I've had numerous places do this. Usually it's places that don't have "online" reservations. They will send you an email with the rates, then you have to respond to the email with credit card information to "confirm" the reservation. It's almost always been the same rate they quote on their website. I tend to make reservations WAY in advance so sometimes I think they haven't posted their rates for the summer online yet. But I have had several places use those exact words "send me an offer". I wouldn't be put off by that at all.

I would just do as they ask - contact them when your dates are finalized - and make sure to include the fact that you are weighing your options between several different places and are looking for the best deal. Then they'll respond with their "offers". At this point I don't really think it's wise to bother haggling in response. If they already know that price is an issue for you, they are likely to offer you the best deal they're going to the first time around.

LOL, I just looked at my email from the Staubbach hotel in Lauterbrunnen where I am staying for the second time again this summer, and the subject line is "offer". I put my information into their website, and they sent me an email with an "offer" for several different types of rooms.