Does reserving a hotel always need creditcard?

xintian · Sep 16th, 2009, 21:05

I know this should be a very basic question, i did some searches, but not found a direct answer.
i am trying to book a hotel in Agra (midrange in Lonely Planet), in the hotel's reservation form, it does not mention creditcard info, however i guess they may ask for it later.

another related question will there be a no-show fee, how much?

Thanks,
Xin

Nick-H · Sep 16th, 2009, 21:48

Smaller hotels may not even accept credit cards! No, it is not always necessary.

Should you have given your card details to a hotel, and fail to show up --- I'm sure hotel policies vary widely. My view is that, if you have not given sufficient notice for them to let the room to anybody else, then they are justified in charging 100%.

xintian · Sep 16th, 2009, 22:37

Thanks for the information!

so i need discuss these details (cash or creditcard, advance notice, etc)with each hotel that i will try to book

snonymous · Sep 16th, 2009, 22:43

If you do the booking directly on the phone, very often you do not need to disclose credit card details, especially as Nick rightly points out in smaller hotels who prefer cash up front.

We have recently booked mid range hotels in larger cities on the phone without any advance payment, credit card details, anything.

You can also ask for an additional discount on the phone, which many hotels will gladly give especially if their occupancy rate is low.

photolauren · Sep 18th, 2009, 21:44

I guess I have a similar question to xintian. I'm booking a hut in Goa for Christmas and was asked for my CC number and cash when I get there. It seems to be a reputable hotel, so I understand they're protecting themselves at peak season. Is this standard practice and does anyone have advice on the safest way to do this? I was thinking of using my Amex since they offer the best fraud protection. Thanks!

Jorge Reverter · Sep 18th, 2009, 22:47

The rules are not the same for all the hotels and as Nick says most of the budget hotels not even accept credit cards. The most usual is to book the hotel by email not giving any CC details. I only give CC details in hotels where I know things work well Is even better to book by phone but you are never sure if qall details have been taken correctly. Peak season in places like Goaor Kerala is probably a bit different.

Jorge

Sep 16th, 2009, 21:05	#1
xintian Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: China Posts: 13	Does reserving a hotel always need creditcard? I know this should be a very basic question, i did some searches, but not found a direct answer. i am trying to book a hotel in Agra (midrange in Lonely Planet), in the hotel's reservation form, it does not mention creditcard info, however i guess they may ask for it later. another related question will there be a no-show fee, how much? Thanks, Xin

Sep 16th, 2009, 22:43	#4
snonymous xxx Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Mumbai Posts: 1,749	If you do the booking directly on the phone, very often you do not need to disclose credit card details, especially as Nick rightly points out in smaller hotels who prefer cash up front. We have recently booked mid range hotels in larger cities on the phone without any advance payment, credit card details, anything. You can also ask for an additional discount on the phone, which many hotels will gladly give especially if their occupancy rate is low. __________________ Some of My Tall Tales at http://www.travelpod.com/members/indianature My Flickr photos at http://www.flickr.com/groups/snonymous/

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Sep 16th, 2009, 21:48	#2
Nick-H This is just a cameo appearance Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Chennai, India Posts: 36,213	Smaller hotels may not even accept credit cards! No, it is not always necessary. Should you have given your card details to a hotel, and fail to show up --- I'm sure hotel policies vary widely. My view is that, if you have not given sufficient notice for them to let the room to anybody else, then they are justified in charging 100%.

Sep 16th, 2009, 22:37	#3
xintian Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: China Posts: 13	Thanks for the information! so i need discuss these details (cash or creditcard, advance notice, etc)with each hotel that i will try to book

Sep 18th, 2009, 21:44	#5
photolauren a Brooklyn transplant Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Pune, India Posts: 12	I guess I have a similar question to xintian. I'm booking a hut in Goa for Christmas and was asked for my CC number and cash when I get there. It seems to be a reputable hotel, so I understand they're protecting themselves at peak season. Is this standard practice and does anyone have advice on the safest way to do this? I was thinking of using my Amex since they offer the best fraud protection. Thanks!

Sep 18th, 2009, 22:47	#6
Jorge Reverter Maha Guru Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Murcia - Spain Posts: 1,465	The rules are not the same for all the hotels and as Nick says most of the budget hotels not even accept credit cards. The most usual is to book the hotel by email not giving any CC details. I only give CC details in hotels where I know things work well Is even better to book by phone but you are never sure if qall details have been taken correctly. Peak season in places like Goaor Kerala is probably a bit different. Jorge