Is it normal process for either a credit card or deposit to be left when arriving at a hotel.?

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bardolino

All hotels do this, your agent probably assumed that you knew about it.

elc

when i went to hotel recently was asked to put down a credit card but i do not have one so they said thats fine. we were not asked to leave a cash deposit.

you should get you deposit back but it would have been nice to be forewarned about this cash deposit if it is for a large amount.

Mandy #3 Due: October 18th 2009

Yes hotels put enough money for incidentals...Also some hotels just to turn on the phone they require a large amount.

I would say typically total of room nights and taxes plus 20%

It is like they said just a deposit it is to protect the hotels interest.

T?R

Yes, it is usual. It is refunded immediately & used to verify your card & limit & they leave it open to add extras like phone calls and bar bills.
I've registered with one card & paid with another before now. It's just to prevent moonlight flits.

Trust Me

Yes it's normal.

fahoouahoocahookahoo

Common practice - to cover any damages to the room & contents.

Stef

Only in large cities, like NY, ATL, Chicago, etc. When we went to NY they asked for $300, being from TN I had never heard of that, but with further travels I found its the norm in large cities

Scooby

All hotels ask for a credit card when you check in. It's there way of protecting themself against you leaving without paying. Also if you order movies, take food from the honor bar, etc. They bill it to your card.

BRIAN C

Your flight agent propably didn't tell you because it is such a normal practice and happens in all major hotels in all major cities - so your flight agent would have assumed that you knew about it.

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Matt

Its just a security for them. If you run off without paying, they can then charge the hotel room to your credit/debit card. They may also add on any breakages or damage to your bill, as well as pay-per-view movies, use of the minibar, and anything else you might spend as well as your room.

They would never ask for a cash deposit, as this isn't security enough for them. At least having your card details allows them to get their money if your done a runner. You can however pay for your room in cash; thats allowed.

Yup.

Paul RN

Absolutely normal.

AustCy

it is to cover any possible damages or payments not made when u checkout - normally they will take the credit card on to the system. it is more common in larger or well established hotels dont give it out to some abckstreet dodgy place

Penfold

Yes this is normal. Every hotel I have been to has asked me for a credit card. This is usually done for 2 reasons:
1) To verify, and occasionally, reserve funds to cover the cost of your hotel (the cost is estimated at check in based on room rate and how they anticipate you will spend at the hotel) - they will not debit your account for the funds;
2) To ensure that they will get paid if you leave without checking out and paying.

Edit: Additionally, the hotel may allow you not to leave a credit card but they will then expect you to pay for the room up front, your mini bar will be cleared so you can't use them; and you will not be able to charge anything to your room (e.g bar bills, meals etc).

PAUL L

they do ask but i refuse to leave my card details with them, also a good tip when you leave don't hand over your door card take it with you because it contains your card details and could be cloned,

Carrie S

It's in case you:

Use the mini bar
order pay per view tv
use the phone
overstay after check out
order room service
charge drinks/food at the bar/restaurant
Nick any of their towels etc.

That way at least they have an imprint of your card and know that you have at least the value on your card.

I don't know anyone nowadays who doesn't have a credit card, they're not exactly hard to get unless you've been declared bankrupt. Even so, you can now get pre-paid credit cards.

If you are one of the few people who don't own a credit card, then yes, they will take a cash deposit but you do get it back when you check out if you haven't used any of their services.

I don't know any hotels who don't take a credit card swipe in the UK to be honest.

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