International travel—how do you book your hotel room?

I usually just call the hotel directly and make reservations, but I'm seeing some good deals online right now. (I'm always nervous about going through a website though, I envision getting there and the hotel having no reservation for me.) Anyway how do you normally book?

Re: International travel—how do you book your hotel room?

I just recently booked a hotel in Rome and Venice and I did it through email.

Re: International travel—how do you book your hotel room?

Re: International travel—how do you book your hotel room?

In Venice we stayed at Hotel Orion. It was recommended in Rick Steve's book.
Hotel Orion Website
The hotel room was the smallest I have ever seen, but the location was awesome, just a few blocks north of St. Marks Square. It was also just a short walk to the Rialto bridge. It was a very easy and short walk from the hotel to the Alilaguna (water shuttle bus that took us to the airport) dragging all of our luggage with us.
If you are interested, email [email protected], you can address it to Stefano. He understands English and answered all of my questions back and forth in a few emails. Make sure you specify that you want a private bathroom!!! To book it you just have to give him a credit card # just to thold the room, but we paid in cash when we checked out... mention Rick Steves book to get the price of 165 Euros.

Re: International travel—how do you book your hotel room?

Excellent! Thank you. We are currently looking into the Hotel Do Pozzi and the Hotel Flora, both are in the area of St. Marks Square as well. But now I will add the Hotel Orion to the list. Thanks again.