Fuzzieo
Unregistered User
(9/15/03 7:27 pm)

HELP with Vouchers!!!

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Hi,

I have read lots of awful things about vouchers, but now I'm actually experiencing quite a bit of difficulty. Granted, I am trying to use vouchers in Kenmare and Galway during a bank holiday, but it's still almost six weeks away! My husband thinks that the proprietors just know that someone from the U.S. requesting a room probably has a voucher and that they automatically say they are full.

I did get a positive response from a well respected B&B in Kenmare. Their e-mail to me said they would confirm the reservation upon receiving the credit card number. I immediately sent our charge card number and unfortunately included in my e-mail that we had a voucher. Well, it's only been a day and a half but I'm just getting this feeling that somehow they are going to try and back out of this reservation. I sent a second e-mail requesting confirmation but got no reaction. My questions are - has anyone had this experience? Does it usually take awhile to get the confirmation from the B&B? Is it better not to mention the voucher? In some of my e-mails to B&B's I have requested the price as well as availability - I figured then they wouldn't assume vouchers. I'm not sure what I'll do if we actually go to one of these places - any sugestions?

I'd really appreciate hearing about anyone's experience with vouchers.

Thanks,
Fuzzieo

Dude
Unregistered User
(9/15/03 10:04 pm)

Vouchers

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Vouchers aren't awful, just sometimes limiting and apparently often more expensive than doing it yourself.
We made reservations at a number of B&Bs and then told them we were using vouchers and no one backed out. One very nice place did require a supplement which we didn't know about until we got there. So check that.
When you are searching for places to stay on the association websites, you can usually filter your search for "accepts vouchers" which is a big help. And the individual B&B websites will tell you whether they accept or not, before you get involved in negotiations.
It sometimes does take a bit of time to get a reply from these busy hosts/hostesses, and it doesn't hurt to re-send your message after a while.
On my next trip I'll pay direct to the B&B.

DebbieK
Registered User
Posts: 105
(9/15/03 10:54 pm)

Re: Vouchers

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Your question has multiple parts

1 - is 1 1/2 days a long time to wait for a response -
No - quite a few of the B&B owners are not 'attached to their email , like we tend to be. Some can take a week to respond to you. I would wait 3 days, and then send it again, with a note " Not sure if you got this, so I am sending it again."
If that does not work - try calling them directly ( take into account the time difference)

2. Are the B&B's discriminating against you , assuming you have vouchers?
I don't think so. I think that a good percentage of people from the US don't use vouchers, and that the B&B owners would not be able to guess whether you have them or not. You are trying to book for a very busy weekend ( both for foreign visitors and Irish vacationers) and you are trying to book into very popular towns. 6 weeks is not that soon, but also not that far in advance either, especially for a bank holiday. I have planned trips at 6 wks notice and at 9 months notice and sometimes your first pick is taken. It is nothing personal.

3. Should you NOT tell the B&Bs that you are using Vouchers?
NO - You should definitely tell them how you are planning on paying. If they are listed in the B&B books as taking vouchers, then they should take them, as long as they have availablity. ( During peak times though, they may fill up with non-voucher visitors when given the choice) Definitely limit your choices to places that are listed as taking vouchers - it will keep you on track.

hope this helps.

Michele Erdvig
ezOP
Posts: 1877
(10/3/03 10:44 pm)

Re: HELP with Vouchers!!!

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Hi Fuzzieo,

Any response from the B&B in Kenmare yet? Reserving a room over a Bank Holiday can be a challenge. It may just be that most of the places you have inquired of are already booked up. Keep trying. If you don't hear back re-send the email as sometimes they don't go through on the first try. Many of my emails to Ireland go astray.

Does it usually take awhile to get the confirmation from the B&B? Michele's Answer: Yes. Many Irish B&Bs don't even look at their email every day. But if you don't hear in a week re-send it.

Is it better not to mention the voucher? Michele's Answer:  When the B&B confirms your reservation, let them know you are using vouchers. They have to know this anyway. Many will still require a credit card to confirm the booking.

Keep trying. If you need some suggestions let us know.

Michele

Fuzzieo
Unregistered User
(10/4/03 12:44 pm)
 
Help with vouchers

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Hi Michelle,

Thanks for your inquiry! Yes, the B&B in Kenmare did respond - finally! It's the Rockcrest House - anyone know anything about it? Also found a place in Galway - the Roncalli House - any comments on that one???

We're really looking forward to our trip,
Jeanne

Michele Erdvig
ezOP
Posts: 1880
(10/4/03 12:57 pm)
 
Re: Help with vouchers

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Hi Jeanne,

I have not inspected Rockcrest House, however, I have had favorable feedback from one of my readers. As for Roncalli, the same story; favorable feedback. Have you tried Marless House in Salthill?

Michele

Fuzzieo
Unregistered User
(10/10/03 7:36 am)
 
Vouchers

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Hi Michelle,

I did try Marless House - they were booked. But thanks for the recommendation!

Jeanne