on my vacation in canada, I checked in using a prearranged credit card of a $400. limit. The hotel did not tell me that every night they would debit my credit card before I checked out.
Is this legal? This left me in a bind, because I knew when I checked in that I would not use any thing in the hotel to be charged to this card. I tried to used the card for shopping and was told I didn't have money left on the card. Is this legal? I've stayed in hotels before, but never was charged until check-out. Please explain!
2006-06-28 12:00:56 · 8 answers · asked by blacksambo s 1 in Travel ➔ Canada ➔ Niagara Falls
They can 'put a hold' on those funds which is typical with Debit cards. They can even put a hold for the whole amount and only refund it if you check out early. Technically, if you stayed in the room for 1 minute after check-out time each day, you owe for the whole day.
They have to do this, otherwise you could check in with enough to pay for it, go out partying, and spend it all before it's time to check out. Not the answer you wanted, I know. It sucks.
2006-06-28 12:07:26 · answer #1 · answered by GA_metroman 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I've worked in hotels for years although never front desk. However, whenever I stayed in a hotel for more than 1 night, yes, my credit card was charged. Happened in both Canada and the US on pretty much every trip I've ever taken.
2006-06-28 12:07:32 · answer #2 · answered by Patricia D 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I work for a bank. It's called a Pre Authorization, and most countries don't have laws against hotels and businesses setting their Pre Auth limit. And the Pre Auth doesn't mean the money is taken off the card, it just reserves that amount on the card (as if you had spent it). And most hotels pre authorize the card for "Worst Case Scenario" and they have up to 3 business days to releas the pre auth and replace it with the true amount of the charge incurred.
For example, if i go to a gas station, they will Pre Auth my card (usually) for $1.00, but if they set the Pre Auth $75.00 and i only have $76.00 in my account, I'm at the mercy of the gas station until they "hard post" or post the true amount of the gas to my account.
2006-06-28 12:07:01 · answer #3 · answered by Dark Syder 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't really know for sure, but I deliver pizza in Niagara Falls and hit alot of the hotels and motels around. Every time I saw a guest walk in to the front desk, they would be handing over a credit card
2006-07-03 00:33:55 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
They take authorization for your total charges plus taxes & some extra for incidental charges like room service & telephone etc.
So if u had given this card, credit card co. is bound to hold that much money. u should have given the card which u wanted hotel to charge finally. this practice is legal & protects all.( including you, so that u do not over spend)
2006-06-28 12:07:13 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it's standard practice to charge at check in to keep you from skipping out without paying. Next time when you check in advise them that you'll be paying in cash & not to charge the card but be prepared to pay up front.
2006-06-28 12:04:11 · answer #6 · answered by Jill S 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, but it's only as a deposit for the hotel's security. And if you are in Europe, prepare to hand over your passport as well, per Interpol rules.
2006-06-28 12:06:47 · answer #7 · answered by joe mama 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They take a deposit in case you trash the room
2006-06-28 12:02:35 · answer #8 · answered by BidDogARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRFf 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋