[QUOTE=Aviatrix]Pre-paying is the norm when you book hotels through travel websites - which is often cheaper than booking direct. The drawback with using these sites is that you will sometimes get an inferior room because you paid a lower price.
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I've used hotels.com three times now, and I don't know if I would necessarily say you get an inferior room. Each time, the room was perfectly fine and was what I expected. (It's one of those, you get what you pay for kinda things). If you used priceline.com, then you won't know what you're getting.

I'd say go for it. Just be aware of the T&C, especially if it is not booked through the hotel itself (or their website). Often you can't cancel or their is a penalty for travel rearrangements.

Personally, I'm doing a similar thing where I am flying my parents from ABE to SFO for a week to celebrate their 50th bdays this year. I'll have the flights arranged, car rental paid for, and just give my parents a wad of cash to pay for the hotel once they get there.

Good luck!