Paying for hotel in Barcelona

[LoonsonBalsam]

When using an online agency such as booking.com, do you usually pay upfront online when booking or pay at the hotel? I am just wondering if you might get better service/room if you pay at the hotel either in cash or with a credit card?

[cruiseluv]

My experience with Booking.com is that you give them a credit card number to guarantee the room and you pay at hotel. However, sometimes they give you the choice of prepaying room for a better rate , but that is usually non refundable.

 

I prefer to book directly with the hotel unless one of the online agencies offers a better price.

[LondonTowner]

I always book direct with the hotel and they will often price match or even have a better price than booking.com. Whichever you do, you pay the hotel on the day you leave unless you have booked some special deal. If paying by CC you should always pay in the currency of the country. In this case in Euros.

[westcoastcruiser]

My recent experience with a hotel - not in Spain - was that our reservation was there but the special requests I included with the booking agency were not shared with the hotel. I was advised this happens frequently. Something to consider if that might matter to you.

[Keith1010]

I would book directly with the hotel.

 

Keith

[4774Papa]

Once, I booked with an online agency (1800Hotels). Paid upfront. The company went bankrupt just before our trip and I had to pay twice for the same hotel room.

 

I always book directly with the hotel.