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[CLKD]

I have never gone through agencies, when we used 'pets welcome' book I contacted the owners of the property directly.  Because there was a charge for agencies.

Recently I tried to look at places to stay in Beaumaris  - all went via some agency or other.  So I copied down the places of interest to look at the websites.  I understand that some agencies can be bolshie - once they have taken the booking it is difficult to alter the dates required or to cancel without a huge cost!

As well as the Hotel now knowing what is going on behind the scenes.  I will continue booking directly.  And don't get me started on hiking prices for visitors as a 'tax'!  when the industry is already on it's knees in some places.

[Minusminnie]

We prefer hotels now after years of choosing self catering. It makes it feel more of a break and we adjust the time period so affordable.

We’re both 70 this year and can no longer worry about things like extra taxes. We’ve other family worries as it is.

Realise a forward planned booking can be difficult for you but why not both enjoy yourselves now.

[jaypo]

Problem is clkd,is that some property owners leave it all up to an agency as they don't want the hassles of taking bookings etc, I wouldn't go through an agency either ,always prefer to deal direct.
Hoping to go somewhere? I do understand it's difficult for you but at least if you holiday at home,you can always leave if you have to 

[CLKD]

I'm always hoping jaypo  .   We do enjoy ourselves on a daily basis but I object to paying for an agency fee when I can book cheaper prices due to age and mid-week offers, directly, without problems. It also means that being in direct contact with the owners any issues can be sorted face2face. 

I won't visit places that don't accept cash in car parks because I don't use a card or who charge a visitors tax.  My money is as good as the locals!

[littleminnie]

I agree with you Jaypo. We book a lot of apartments/villas abroad and you cannot book direct.  Plus the advantage of not booking direct is that you can often cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before.   There are no car parks near us that accept cash.  .  None of them will eventually

[CLKD]

There will be a lot of small businesses lost if parks won't accept cash.  The assumption that we all have 'smart' phones is quite honestly short sighted and agist.  Especially when push comes to shove and the system goes down as it did a few weeks back.

Ah well, garden centres take cash and have free car parking . 

My friend tried to cancel her booking 3 days ago: was due to leave on Friday of this week : via booking.com and they won't entertain it so she's lost nearly £1,000  and the Hotel won't engage.  So every1 loses out except booking.com

[jaypo]

Yep LM it will become a cashless society sooner or later,tbh I prefer it but my OH hates it,says it's all about control.
I never use my phone for payments though,don't trust myself,never mind anyone else   

[Minusminnie]

Ah well, garden centres take cash and have free car parking . 

Places like RHS Rosemoor have holiday apartments to let with parking.  The bus goes by there too to Barnstaple where i think you were thinking of going one year.  Makes use of a bus pass and avoids the parking 

[CLKD]

Lovely idea but I can't travel on public transport due to feeing trapped 

I hate it when in a super market queue with my trolley when people 'try' to pay by flashing their phone at the payment thingy.  One guy last week had 3 phones and none worked  he had to use cash  .  I suggested a separate aisle for those that tried to use phones to pay!

[Minusminnie]

Lovely idea but I can't travel on public transport due to feeing trapped 

Taxis ? 🚕

[CLKD]

Nope.  Can't be trapped.  Anywhere.  Better if I am spontaneous, however.   

[getting_old]

It's not just agencies but also rental sites so the fees just keep being added on, and the owner probably only sees about 25% of the amount paid, but that's their choice. The problem I find is that there are so many rental sites that have priority in searches, so trying to actually find places that are rented out by owners is almost impossible 

As for car parks and phone apps.There are so many scams that I refuse to actually download any parking apps as I got scammed once, so if the only option to pay for parking is a phone app then the area will lose my business!

[Minusminnie]

We’ve stayed in several places when having met the owner have been given a phone number to deal direct the next time with a better deal.

Think they book it off with the agency as their own family use or something. So maybe always worth asking for a future visit if you find a place you like.

My husband deals with all the parking apps & usually gets thwart at yet another different one. At least you can put on additional parking time if you are not going to be back at the car park in time.