Can I get some advice please about changing stuff

[Mynameisanon]

A few months ago I booked a trip to Krakow for September for me and my partner. I booked everything separately instead of an all inclusive.

I am just looking over a few things now.

I booked a hotel. At the time of booking there was something in my mind about 450 pounds equivalent but when I checked it was 605 pounds. I could meet this but I am not too happy about it. I was wrong. I double checked my email and I was wrong. The booking is definitely 605 pounds with breakfast.

It's just I was looking online and airbandbs.

I would be able to save so much money by going for a self catering apartment. I was checking locations too and there's some city centre apartments available. I would be looking at saving 250 to 300 pounds by going with air BnB. All I would have to do is just go to a shop for some cereal and milk and breakfast supplies - tea/coffee.

I was looking online at the hotel. I don't know if there's a bar or a restaurant in it. Looking at pictures at the breakfast buffet - half of it I wouldn't eat.

Outside of breakfast we will be eating out for lunch and dinner no doubt and we will hit some bars too no doubt.

I think my partner prefers hotels for more peace of mind or something. I don't really know.

Would it make more sense to book an air b and B to save some money?

I used air b and b before but it was more local and during the pandemic.

With air b and b - I will need an early check out on a Sunday morning at about 6.45 am. I wonder if that would be allowed?

All help would be great.

It kinda makes sense to book air B and B and cancel the hotel, doesn't it?

If the hotel was around the 400 mark I would keep it.

Have you checked the hotel is even refundable?

I checked my details. I don't have to pay til I stay and there's free cancellation until the 7th of sept.

Why not just cancel the breakfast?

Cancelling breakfast doesn't save a lot of money.

When I factor in transport to the airport, then attractions for a few days and food and drinks. I think it's going to be steep-ish in costs.

I think I had intentions of saving this summer but that never happened.

What I could do is budget approx 300 for spending money for my trip and then put the hotel on the credit card. Pay half in September and then the other half in October.

Is your partner contributing to the trip?

I bought it as a gift for his birthday but he will likely contribute too.

I was in Poland before and food and drinks prices were very reasonable but what's the best way to get drunk. Will I buy a small bottle of vodka in the airport or in Poland and carry it around in my handbag and use it top up mixers?

I was going to chat with my partner but he's in hospital with a sick parent tonight and it's just a bad time. I think I will just put the hotel on the credit card. I could pay for it out of my account too but I don't want to do that either.

I would be looking at saving 250 to 300 pounds by going with air BnB.

Airbnb is generally much cheaper and better value, but make sure you check reviews. Also be aware of hidden costs, which can vary depending on country. For example, many American Airbnb owners add cleaning fees at checkout, and expensive, non-optional "meal plans" are very common in the Pacific Islands. I'd imagine the rules are tighter in the EU but do check the entire listing and your final payment at checkout.

I think my partner prefers hotels for more peace of mind or something. I don't really know.

My impression of Airbnb is that it comes down on the side of the consumer, more often than not. It's in hosts' interests to be scrupulous and make sure everything is as advertised. Poor ratings can easily get a host booted off the platform.

With air b and b - I will need an early check out on a Sunday morning at about 6.45 am. I wonder if that would be allowed?

Send your host a private message before you book and confirm that's OK. I've stayed in a lot of Airbnbs (across 4 different countries including the UK) and in almost all cases I checked myself out and posted the key either through the letterbox or into a secure box. The only times I didn't were for the more homestay-type Airbnbs which were extremely accommodating and would offer lifts to town or the airport for a small additional fee.

It kinda makes sense to book air B and B and cancel the hotel, doesn't it?

It's worth considering. I'm biased in favour of Airbnb because I've spent much more money on much worse hotels!