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.
