[BlueMajo]

Hello !!!

Im wondering if anybody here could explain me...

When you check-in at a hotel, and they ask for your credit card, how much do they charge ?? The total of your stay and how much for "incidentals" or... ?? Anybody know ??

I have never understood...

Thank you a lot !! I hate this part of travelling... is like I need a credit card without limits or what ??

[Dejibo]

They generally charge whatever the cost of the room is onto your card. if you skip out on the bill they are paid in advance. If you show up and pay in cash or with a different card, they credit the card for the charges. It can take up to 5 business days for that credit to appear on your charge. Many motel six style places use this method

Some places dont charge the card at all. They simply check to see if its an active card, and what the available balance is. Then if you skip on the bill, or damage the room they have a way to recoup their money. Many 4 or 5 star places use this method.

You can call in advance and speak to the desk clerk to see which policy that hotel uses. You can also ask that they not put any charges on your card, and they may or may not agree to it.

I used to get so upset when I would travel by car and didnt have a credit card (in my early 20s) I had checks and cash, but no one would let me bunk unless I had a card! I used to spend nights in the car simply because no one would let you in without that card.

[BlueMajo]

Exactly !! I hate them and their credit cards

I can't travel with the double amount needed just "in case" they want to charge in advance for a bunch of "incidentals"...

*sigh*

[Jomar]

There's usually taxes & fees added on - they should be able to tell you when you sign it or before you do...

many websites will give the full cost of a room with all fees included so you can compare them easier.
- like priceline, travelocity, - there's lots more but I can't recall all the names

Doesn't hurt to ask about any specials, discounts or price breaks at the desk or call ahead and ask.
They don't make any money if a room is empty
So if a lot of rooms are empty you have a better chance of getting a discount.

[Dejibo]

I think a checking account with a debit card attached to it is a wonderful thing! you dont have to worry about credit ratings, and interest rates, it comes directly out of your checking account, and is accepted everywhere the normal visa/mastercard is accepted.

Silly times we live in when plastic dictates the worth of a woman.

[BlueMajo]

Yeah you know, I'm so confused because last time I was in Seattle, I gave my debit card and the guy told me because it was debit's, he had to charge my whole stay plus incidentals right at check in and then, return the incientals when I check out... So yeah, I couldn't buy me anyhthing because the momey I had for my things was being hold for incidentals by the hotel

Then, when I was in Dallas, it was even worse because they didn't know how to handle my debit card

So, yeah, I don't know if rules change from one hotel to another or from on state to another but I hate they charge more my total stay for something I'm not going to use !!!

[Jomar]

I can use my bank card (debit) as a debit or as a "credit" card in some ways - as long as there is money in the account.
But I finally got a credit card from the same bank and as long as we pay it off each month there are no fees at all.
We only use it for buying online (safety) and for traveling & emergencies.

[Dejibo]

There can be different rules for Debit vs credit card purchases. Like some rental car companie will take a debit and some wont. At least that used to be the way. Some hotels charge the whole bill upfront on your debit and some wont. You can always negotiate with the manager and be extra nice and sometimes they wont. Generally if you have kids in tow, they will, so approach the desk alone, clean, and bright and be articulate. Explain that you are on an extremely limited amount of funds, and if he attachs your debit card, you wont be able to buy trinkets for the family you came to visit. Most are compassionate.

Btw, please negotiate your rate. Roomsaver.com has awesome coupons that can be used if you walk in that day and want a room. You can get a $120 room for $49. If you need to make a reservation use places like hotels.com or the like. You can always speak to the manager and ask for if they have any "managers specials available" its generally a room that is obstructed view, or near construction or smaller and has double beds, not the lush king sized bed. They generally give those rooms out for half price or less.

Good luck with your journey.

[BlueMajo]

Thank you very much for all your help and advices !!!

Hopefully I will survive with my limited funds !!

Love,
Majo.