Littlepat2

Yes, usually you can. Your other thread indicated you were looking at 2025 so if you book the tour hotel as soon as you book and know you are on the tour then you should be OK. If not, forum members can probably help you figure out an alternative near the tour hotel.

Which tour are you considering?

AND...I think it's an excellent idea to come in at least a day ahead of a tour start. It gives you some flex time in case you have flight delays and helps you get adjusted to the new time.

I'll also add that it will be easier for others if you give a short description of your question in your title instead of using your forum name. Maybe for this one you could have said "Booking tour hotels ahead of tour" or something.

Welcome to the forum!

You can book a room at the same hotel if they have rooms available which is why it’s advisable to do so when RS tells you the first hotel for your tour. You should tell them you are with the Rick Steves tour as they may be able to put you in a room where you don’t have to move for the tour. Rick Steves does not book rooms for you outside of the tour.

As others noted, you can book a room in the same hotel as that for your tour, provided one is available.

You might not be in the same room, however. In 2022, I took the Rick Steves' Rome tour and booked a full day in advance, but the room that would be mine was taken by another guest. I was put in a different room prior to the tour start, then switched rooms on the day the tour started.

Make sure the hotel knows you're joining a RS tour and you might get a better price on the room. There should be a sample email in the back of your tour book for contacting the hotel. Enjoy your trip!

and will Rick Steve book the room for us.

NO

Any hotel days not included in the tour are bookings you have to make yourself.