US Hotel Deposits (2014, bring, resorts, credit card)
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This is a very interesting point. Thank you for this! Maybe that's what it *really* is? I'll make a point to ask if it's literally a deposit or a hold. I just want to know if my card is going to get hit for x amount.
All I know is I've never been charged a deposit in the past. Not unless the hotels put a hold on my cc and I didn't know it. I would think they should have informed me?
That's just semantics. It's clear that is what the OP is referring to.
No, it's not just semantics. A "hold" never shows up on your CC bill. A "deposit" does and you only get it back if they process a credit to your CC or your hotel bill.
No, it's not just semantics. A "hold" never shows up on your CC bill. A "deposit" does and you only get it back if they process a credit to your CC or your hotel bill.
Exactly. There is a big difference between a hold and a deposit. I've never heard of that before. The hotels I've stayed at will just theoretically charge my cc for any damages I've supposedly inflicted after I check out. I am the cautious type, so right before I check out, I make a video of each area of the room in an attempt to prove that nothing has been damaged or stolen. I have heard horror stories about customers being unjustly accused and charged for items the hotel claims was stolen or damaged on their watch. Since these unlucky customers didn't have any evidence to the contrary, it was an uphill battle for them to prove to the hotel that they didn't take anything.
I have traveled a lot, and I don't think I have ever paid a hotel "deposit". Now, I have prepaid for a room, in order to get the best price - a non-refundable amount. But I don't do that often, and I don't consider that a deposit. I don't think I would stay in a hotel that had such a practice.
They never swipe you card? How do you manage that? I know for a fact Westin, Sheraton, Four Points, and Aloft place a hold on your card when checking in
Quote:
Originally Posted by Roadking2003
A hold on your card is not a deposit.
Correct. Placing a hold on the card when you check in, or even when you reserve the room, is NOT a deposit. And that is normal practice for a hotel.
I don't see the problem here. Two types of deposits. one is that you'll show up and use the room, one for any incidentals or damages. In both cases you get the money back or funds released as long as you hold up your end of the contract.
If you don't want a hold on your credit card at check in, put the deposit in cash and you'll get it back at check out.
One hotel I called yesterday told me their deposit is $50 per night. WTF?! It's possible the gal misstated herself, but she should know hotel policy.
I'm planning a trip and not to have any unpleasant surprises I'm going to call every hotel I'm interested in staying at and check their deposit policy. What a pain, but better to be safe than sorry.
Call or view their policies online.
I would shop around and stick with the larger chain hotels.
I've never stayed at a hotel that charged a nightly deposit, they've asked for credit/debit card for incidentals which is pretty routine.
I know it's been a long time since I traveled, but when did hotels start charging a deposit?
one hotel I called yesterday told me their deposit is $50 per night. WTF?! It's possible the gal misstated herself, but she should know hotel policy.
I'm planning a trip and not to have any unpleasant surprises I'm going to call every hotel I'm interested in staying at and check their deposit policy. What a pain, but better to be safe than sorry.
Depending on the type of hotel and location, charging a deposit (which is refundable ) isn't all that new. In some cases you need to cancel a few days before arrival, in other cases you only need to cancel 24 hours or the day of arrival prior to 4 or 6pm. BTW, some hotels do not call it a deposit but a hold. To them, it is the same and no, normally they do not actually debit your cc unless you no show.
Some hotel are moving the refundable cancellation times back to midnight day before...
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