So if I understand correctly, I could check in and leave $500 at the desk when I check in. If I didn't use any of it, I would get that money back when I checked out, in cash?
I don't like charging privliges on the room card. I know I'm fully protected and have chargeback procedures from any misuse of my CC account and am actually fully protected under both federal law and my card contract. With unauthorized hotel charges I'm not so sure....