Here’s what consumers have asked with answers from Booking.com staff and previous consumers.
Its nonsense for anyone to think that a hotel will take a booking with no security at all. You would end up with an empty hotel and no income. I wont take booking.com bookings any longer as their customer base is unreliable and got too many late cancellations and no shows. Rather not have them.
Yes absolutely ring ahead, it is always a good idea to confirm reservations you make online with a real person at the place you are staying. Better safe than sorry! If you made the reservation through booking.com there is a good chance it might not be what you expect. Online reviews and consumer report sites for booking.com are full of very negative reviews about the company. Good luck!
Contact your credit card company and file a dispute they will credit you immediately while they researched the problem and wait for booking.com answer. Be sure to upload any screenshots or photographs of receipts you may have when filing a complaint with your credit card company.
I have used Booking.com several times and my recent stay in Cartagena, Colombia was just as planned. I was not charged any hidden fees and paid using a credit card.