Most places to stay have online booking tools on their websites which sometimes lead to their own booking sites but usually lead you to an online booking reservation company.

Popular online reservation companies are;
Booking.com
Active hotels
Eviivo
Trip Advisor
Late rooms
Last minute.com

Book a Room at The Edward Hotel

Some companies ask for a deposit some take full payment some take your c/c details to pass onto the place of stay booked.

1. Check whether you have paid anything before you stay.
2. Check that your booking is made through a secure server to protect your card details. You should receive a confirmation.
3. Check the online cancellation policy, if you book online then you have to cancel through the same online company so note who you book with.

The information on online booking sites can be very useful and is readily available. Our advice is to use online agencies only if you have to because;

1. The impression you get from the telephone can give an indication of the quality of service that you will receive upon arrival.
2. The information on some online booking sites is not always wholly accurate or updated. Some online sites do not gather enough information about the places to stay.
3. You can ensure that facilities offered exist, and you can ask all relevant questions about your stay if you have direct contact with the hotel.
4. The reservation companies charge the establishments up to 20% of the cost of your stay. Many establishments ‘build in’ some of this cost to the room rate. It is not always cheaper to book online, it is a convenient service which has to be paid for somehow.
5. The ‘deals’ advertised often lead you on to establishments with many rooms. The rooms offered by these large establishments are usually the least popular ones. You may be offered an upgrade at extra cost. Parking is often at extra cost.
6. It can be cheaper to book by phone when booking with independent or smaller establishments. If not cheaper you may be allocated a better standard room for the same price.
7. Cancelling a room booked direct with the hotel is easier and you might be able to get a refund or some form of credit even if cancelling within their policy terms especially if you have had positive customer contact.
8. Many smaller independent places to stay allocate just a few rooms to the online agencies. This means that they might appear to be full when looking online but in reality have availability.

The guest review sections are helpful but can be full of misinformation. We find that both negative and positive comments can result in misinformation. The overall ratings, however, are generally very helpful.

Our advice is to use online booking agencies to source a few places to stay. Check their overall ratings, but have an open mind about the detail of guest reviews, check their Quality in Tourism star rating and description, and also check the individual place’s own website. Online agencies often avoid giving out these website details so that you book through them. Finally, if you are able to then telephone your request and ask any relevant questions about your stay. If you are impressed with your reception then book direct rather than online.