Possibly, some Hotels do charge an up front
deposit to make a reservation which you may have to forfeit if
you cancel or fail to show up. This is especially true during
peak seasons of Hotel occupancy. Make sure you are familiar with
the Hotel’s reservation and cancellation policy before you give
them your credit card numbers.
Most Hotels will take your credit card number
at reservation and confirm that you’ll have a room reserved
until a certain time. They may have a reservation cancellation
charge, but many haven’t yet actually charged anything on your
credit card.
Some Hotels will also offer you a guaranteed
reservation. When they take down your credit card number for
a guaranteed reservation, your credit card will be charged the
rate for the room, so your prepaid room will be held for you
even if you are late.
A guaranteed reservation will be more costly
if you don’t show up, but you’ll have a much better chance at
a room. Hotels have many different policies about when and if
they charge your credit card and how long they will guarantee
a room. It is best to ask the specific Hotel about their policy.
Ask about Hotel’s cancellation policy, time
limit and fees. Some are quite restrictive especially during
peak seasons or the holidays. Many discount consolidators will
also charge a large fee for canceling the room. Make sure you
can live with those policies.
Ask if the Hotel will penalize you with
a charge, if you have to shorten your stay and check out earlier
than planned. Ask if early notification could lessen or eliminate
this penalty.
