Hotel bookings and hold charges?

It depends. Some will put holds, some wont. Call the hotel and find out

kramer1 wrote: ↑ It depends. Some will put holds, some wont. Call the hotel and find out

This is the correct answer. I have stayed at different hotels in the same chain (Bestwestern) that have held different amounts.

trellaine201 wrote: ↑ When I arrive the ask for a credit card. They swipe the card and apply a hold? Or apply the hold and room charge?

When I arrive I need to make sure my card has enough for the hold and room? Or just the hold? When i checkout i can realistically pay by cash etc?

Thanks

Generally at check in, they just apply the hold (which is often based on the room rate). In many cases, they won't know what you owe until check out (e.g., room service, breakfast, movies etc.). The hold is just to give them comfort that you will actually be able to pay. Generally speaking, you can always pay by cash, or with another card, at check out. They will usually ask if they can charge the credit card they have on file, but you are not obligated to do it that way.

This also assumes that they didn't take a deposit at the point that you booked online.

They have not taken a deposit. I am still trying to get hold of them. I think its checkin time so there busy. Smaller hotel.

Thanks

Got my answer. Room and tax + $100

trellaine201 wrote: ↑ Got my answer. Room and tax + $100

100$ hold seems a bit low IMO.
My experience its always been 500$ applied during check-in

KravenHead wrote: ↑ 100$ hold seems a bit low IMO.
My experience its always been 500$ applied during check-in

If they're holding room + tax + $100, then $100 isn't low at all. That extra $100 is just to hedge against incidentals.

My experience has been just $200 (not room + tax + $200; just $200) for large chains.

Obviously YMMV. It's heavily dependent on the hotel itself.

Dynatos wrote: ↑ Obviously YMMV. It's heavily dependent on the hotel itself.

Well said..