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Post by kim on Oct 23, 2002 20:30:32 GMT -5
Hi
I'd just like to say how helpful this site has been in giving me advice on my trip!
I am travelling to Europe this December/January and I am concerned about finding accommodation during these times. I've noticed that some hostels shut down in winter. I am trying to avoid reserving every aspect of my trip, but I am worried about ending up without somewhere to stay. Can anyone give me some advice on what I should do in this situation? I will be travelling from Paris to Rome via train between Dec 15 and Jan 2.
Thanks,
Kim.
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Post by Kim on Oct 24, 2002 10:30:36 GMT -5
I would definately reserve over the holidays, both Christmas and New Years as these times get very busy. I would reserve a few days before and after, just to make sure.
Another aspect to consider is something nitsansh has brought up before-you can reserve places to stay and just cancel them (with a couple days notice).
I had a credit card when we were in Europe but when they would ask for it to confirm the room, I said I didn't have one and that I would call 2 days prior to showing up to confirm. Worked about 90% of the time.
Kim
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Post by nitsansh on Oct 24, 2002 15:31:32 GMT -5
Only once I have BOOKED a bed in a hostel and gave a credit card #. It was a mistake. I booked 5 nights in a hostel in Istanbul for 8$ a night, which I thought was cheap, but when I got there I realized the walk-in fare is only 6$! I liked the atmosphere of that hostel, but it was poorly ran and one of the rooms I stayed at was really filthy. It looked like the floor wasn't swept for weeks... I wanted to move out but they wouldn't give me a refund. I really felt I was cheated.
On all other occasions I have RESERVED a bed and didn't pay for it in advance. Correction: In Switzerland I have paid a 10CHF deposit to book 2 hostels. The deposit was deducted from the bill minus 1F as commision.
It seems that nowadays many hostels require credit card #, especially for reservation by the internet.
In case you RESERVE a hostel and don't pay in advance, inquire what is the time you should arrive. It's usually 5-6 PM.
On my trip to Czech Republic I have reserved a hostel in Cesky Krumlov. I have contacted the owner by E-mail and informed him I intend to arrive later and thought it was OK. When I turned up at 7.30 I found out the warden wasn't informed about it, and the hostel was full. It was Easter Saturday and I was lucky to find one vacant bed in another hostel. I suggest that you call the hostel by phone on the evening before you arrive and confirm your arival.
You better be safe than sorry later.
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Post by Cat on Oct 26, 2002 14:51:03 GMT -5
I think it also depends on the location you want to stay at. If you plan to stay in the bigger cities, it won't be a problem, it is the holiday seazon and lots of hostels will be open. (I argee woth the others, make reservations for Christmas and new year)
If you plan to go to the smaller towns, it would be advisable to check if there is a hostel and wether it's closed for the winter or not.
Cat
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Post by nitsansh on Oct 26, 2002 16:50:56 GMT -5
In general, most hostels in major cities stay open all year. People travel to these places year-round. Hostels in places where people rarely travel in off season close for the winter. Hostels in places like the Greek islands or the Scottish highlands will likely open in summer only, but in Athens and Edinburgh they'll stay open all year. But that's just a general rule and you should check it individually.
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