Hiya, yes if you book flights then you have to pay for them in full at the time of booking, I'm not sure on the hotel as I've booked a DIY with a hotel direct for next year which I've never done before, I've paid a deposit up to now, I just assumed they would e-mail me for the balance, maybe someone else can help with that one

Hi, I booked with a hotel direct last year, I paid a deposit when I booked and then I paid the balance when I arrived at the hotel. The reception staff even asked me check if I was happy with the room before she took payment.

I guess I can always e-mail the hotel a few weeks before departure and see if we pay the balance at the hotel though I'm sure it'll be the same as you ang

Hi.

As in England you pay on checking out.

If you book direct with a Hotel depending on their terms and conditions most will take your credit card details and should you not turn up take usually the cost of one nights stay from your card.

I recently booked and paid in full for a special offer with Barcelo Hotels the terms of which meant that I would lose my money if I cancelled, unfortunately I had to , I also booked an additional night for which the cancellation charge was 5€. Booking direct for special offers are some times cheaper than the accomodation bookers but not often although the hotel groups offer a price guarantee they are very fiddly to claim.

Happy holiday's everyone,

Good Luck

Dave.

Thanks for that info Dave

Shell

some flight companies accept deposits if booking in advance, i use some of the hotel booking agencies online some you pay dep others you pay whole amount, but as others have said if booking direct which isnt always the cheapest then you usually pay a dep, best to have a good shop around at all your options

I paid for my flights in full with BMI Baby but I didn't mind as I know I've had a bargain, got cheaper flights for next year than I paid for this

ive recently booked flights to marrakech for jan and turkey for july and ive had to pay full amount but wow what bargains, now busily checking out all prices for hotels to marrakech, going through all the online hotel booking sites grrr lol

hi thanks for replies, have taken the plunge and booked flights - first diy, now also looking for accomodation. Paid in full for flights but got a good price, travel republic seem to be good for accomodation, and you only pay 20% deposit.

even private apartments have there terms and conditions when the balance is paid if they are fair

If you book through an hotel only webite and you normally only pay a deposit.

You will often find (but you should always check !) that these are cheaper than booking direct with the hotels themselves as they negotiate group rates.

Other good sites to try;

Findmeaccomm.com
Broadway Travel.com
Sky Travel.com

If you look through this board you will find lots of recommendations...they are all worth trying for prices, as who is cheapest may vary for particular destinations and points in time.

Medhotels are good to look at hotel descriptions, but they are normally not the cheapest....you can often find the exact hotels on the other sites listed above but cheaper. But to be fair their website is one of the most user friendly and informative about the hotels around the Med. and just beyond. Take a look on there to find hotels you might be interested in then, price around everywhere else (after checking the hotel reviews on this site first of course !)

Best of luck !