hotel-advanced purchase question

moped_mark

Hello all,

Quick question, if I have tried to book a hotel in Iceland on an advanced purchase and the payment doesn't go through (probably because I used an debit card!), does it mean I can't cancel the booking if I find somewhere else. Am I tied into the booking before payment has been made?

moped_mark

The T&C's from the booking...

A credit card number (with type and validity) is required to confirm the booking. The total amount will be charged at the time of reservation, cancellation will not be accepted.

NiftyDigits

Just move along. If you haven't paid, you haven't booked.

budgetflyer

If its IChotels (Holiday Inn brand etc) they can take payment anytime up until arrival.

Coraline

Not sure what type of hotel this is--I haven't ever stayed anywhere that didn't just take a 10% deposit before (non refundable) then payed the balance upon arrival.

Why are they asking for all the money upfront?

johnmcga

Coraline wrote: »

Not sure what type of hotel this is--I haven't ever stayed anywhere that didn't just take a 10% deposit before (non refundable) then payed the balance upon arrival.

Why are they asking for all the money upfront?

Many hotels offer non-refundable rates that require payment in full at the time of booking, but that are available at a discount compared to the flexible rates.

Coraline

johnmcga wrote: »

Many hotels offer non-refundable rates that require payment in full at the time of booking, but that are available at a discount compared to the flexible rates.

Gotcha--so basically like how airlines operate?

I think I'm still stuck in the hostel/budget hotel/cheap private flat mode where the 10% thing is the norm, I'm not sure.