Why did my hotel charge me when I checked in?

Understanding Hotel Charges at Check-In

When you check into a hotel, you may encounter a temporary charge on your credit card. This charge, often referred to as a hold or authorization, is not an actual payment but a security measure taken by the hotel.

Purpose of the Hold/Authorization

The primary purpose of this hold is to secure coverage for potential expenses you may incur during your stay. These expenses can include:

• Room rate for the duration of your stay
• Incidentals, such as:
  • Minibar items consumed
  • Phone calls made from the room
  • Room service charges

By placing a hold on your card, the hotel ensures that sufficient funds are available to cover these anticipated costs.

Amount of the Hold

The amount of the hold typically covers the estimated room rate for the entire stay, plus a buffer for incidentals. The specific amount can vary depending on the hotel’s policy and the anticipated level of expenses.

Temporary Nature of the Hold

It’s important to note that this hold is temporary and will be released upon your checkout. The actual charges for your stay will be processed at that time, and any unused portion of the hold will be credited back to your account.

Why You May Be Charged When You Check In

In some cases, hotels may choose to charge the room rate upfront at check-in. This practice is becoming more common as a way to streamline the checkout process and reduce the risk of no-shows or guests leaving without paying.

Steps to Take If You’re Charged at Check-In

If you are charged the full room rate at check-in, it’s advisable to:

• Confirm that the amount is correct.
• Inquire about the hotel’s policy on incidentals and any other potential charges.
• Ask about the estimated release date for the hold on your card.

By understanding the purpose and nature of hotel charges at check-in, you can avoid any surprises or confusion during your stay.