Budget Travel - Pay at-checkout - low rate hotel website booking?

I am trying to make hotel arrangements for a stay in paris in late august.

I have found some good deals, but - they are on websites which are pay-in-advance. Expedia, Orbitz, Hotels.com - all must pay at time of booking. I dont have $500 laying around to pay for a hotel stay 6+ months in advance.

What I would like to do is pay at checkout.

Are there any sites which allow for making just a reservation(at a low rate) instead of paying in-full in advance ???

Thanks!

Expedia, Orbitz, Hotels.com - all must pay at time of booking.

When I was traveling for work in the US and Canada (and for leisure in Asia), I would go to the hotel's web site and reserve there. Never paid up front.

I'm guessing you can use Expedia and such to find the lowest price and best location, but then reserve the hotel directly. If no web site, use Skype for cheap overseas calls. You will need a CC to hold a reservation, but should not be charged.

EmailKid

Try booking it through www.hrs.de

I've booked through them in the past, and AFAIK they only do an authorization, not the full prepaid rate.

I'm guessing you can use Expedia and such to find the lowest price and best location, but then reserve the hotel directly.

EmailKid

I have looked into that, and the price is usually double on the hotel chain website vs Expedia/Orbitz/Priceline/etc

Try booking it through www.hrs.de

I've booked through them in the past, and AFAIK they only do an authorization, not the full prepaid rate.

Most of the time this is true, but there are occasional deals on www.hrs.de where there is either a deposit or a full prepayment.

Some other sites, where the same is true, are:
www.venere.com
www.hotels.de
www.booking.com

I'd say, if you don't want to shell out the cash now, look for the most reasonable non-prepaid deal you can, which is cancellable, and then close to the date, look for a better prepaid deal. Late August is usually a good time for getting cheaper hotel rates in Paris, although most 3* and lower hotels do not have air conditioning.

If the original poster wants to indicate what type of hotels he is looking at, maybe some people can give suggestions.

August 26 to August 30 2009

I am looking for something 3* or better for under or around $150 USD a night (would spend a little more if it was "worth it")

I would like to be within walking distance of the Eiffel Tower, Arc De Triomphe and Louvre.

On HRS.de I found - Ramada Paris Tour Eiffel - and it seems to meet this requirement for about $520 USD total. And only requires CC for holding room w/ option to cancel up to 24hours prior to check-in. :cool: