We book our accomodation about 5 months before. Most times it's much cheaper. Good thing is that you do not have to pay until you check out. If you do not like a place you can cancel about a week before without any penalty. We booked a place in Bari recently and we cancelled because of a lot of bad reviews and we booked another place which was really good.

It simply means that your credit card will not be charged until you check-in or at check-out. Beware however of the cancelleation penalties. Your credit card will be charged for either the first night stay or the entire stay if you do not cancel by a certain date or you are a no show at the hotel. All the information on cancellation penalties are clearly spelled out on booking.com web site for each hotel, as the penalties come from the hotel not booking.com. If you must cancel, be sure you print out a copy of the cancellation notice you will receive from booking.com as that will show any penalties that may be enforce. I have used booking.com over the years and have never had a problem, problems exists when one does not read the information provided on the web site regarding a hotel booking.

I booked a hotel on the understanding you payed when you arrived at hotel not the case took money out my account week before when i got to hotel it was filthy never got my money back

I think teresad has answered your question fully. Personally I would never book with them again. Totally incompetent and ruined my surprise city break with my partner

Ask bookings.com is my advise. I don't trust them anymore

It means you can reserve a room and pay once you either check in or check out. But, look carefully at how it's worded, you more than likely will have a time, on date of check in to cancel. If, you don't by time given you will pay regardless if you check in or not. Also, beware I cancelled my reservation in a timely manner within the time frame the hotel gave me and was charged. I did finally receive my money back but it was a hassle. Good luck- My advice read all the fine print before you book.