hey I was just wondering how safe it was to book a hostel via email with my visa number as that seems to be the only way to go with hostal Martin ...or other hostels i have checked, just curious to see if others have done it before.

manz, I stayed at Hostal Martin last year, and if I remember correctly, they asked me to send my Visa number to them in 3 different emails; that is, I sent them 3 different emails and included a different part of my Visa number in each one (does that make sense?). I had no problems either at Hostal Martin, or with Internet thieves grabbing my card number.

Hi manz!! Welcome to MadridMan's ALL SPAIN Message Board!

The way josie was asked to do it, in 3-different emails, is pretty secure. Even MORE secure than via email is sending CC information by FAX.

Hostels (called "hostales" in Spanish) in Spain requesting a CC number to reserve a room is getting to be the norm.. EVEN from hostels which don't accept them! It's a deterrent for those people who commonly reserve at 10 different hostels, choose the one they like best, and then DON'T cancel the reservations at the other 9. The hostels which DO require/accept credit cards WILL charge your credit card for the first night's reservation if you don't show up or cancel within 24 hours.

Good luck and have fun in Spain!

Saludos, MadridMan

hey

thanks i think i will be throwing a fax there way, sounds the easiest and most secure way.

ciao