Mr. Earthrain and I need to apply for visas for our visit to Italy later this year.

According to the visa requirements, we need to book our hotels before we go in for the visa interview and keep proof of reservation along with our other documents.

I'm planning to use points for our hotel stays and I'm concerned that in case our visas are denied we would lose our points (at least in one of the programs, and probably in the others.)

I had originally considered making dummy bookings on Travelocity, and only making final bookings when we have our visas in hand. But I have since found that you actually have to bring proof of confirmation and payment.

How have other folks here, who have applied for visas to Italy, managed this situation?

Looking forward to your responses...