Credit cards & hotels

[pdxJolene]

This may be a silly/odd question... But does anyone know of a hotel in the general disneyland area (walking distance, or on ART) that I DON'T need a credit card to reserve? My DBF and I would love to take a trip to DL just the two of us, but neither one of us have credit cards or debit cards. We pay rent & bills with checks, and cash for everything else. Airline tickets aren't a big deal because we can give cash to my mom and she charges them to get points, but we couldn't do this with a hotel since they need the card for the deposit or whatever.

I read in a WDW thread that there you can just tell the front desk you won't be charging anything to your room and they don't need a card on file.

Are we outta luck unless we save an EXTRA couple hundred dollars for a cash deposit on the room? Its not like we'll be stealing the TV...

 

[Sherry E]

Hmmm...good question. I don't use credit cards anymore, but I make sure to keep a couple of debit cards for things like that. Most debit or check cards these days have Visa or Master Card processing features so various vendors' systems will recognize it as a credit card and you can do things like book hotels, order online, etc. A lot of times, the hotel literally just needs a card number on file to book your room, but nothing is charged until you arrive and you can pay with cash or whatever.

You could call any given hotel/motel you're interested in and explain your situation and see what they say. Some of them might be more flexible than others. The hotels/motels that are not as popular and just want people to stay there may be willing to give you some leeway.

Or, you could try getting a pre-paid gift card with a Visa or Master Card logo on it (those gift cards are sold all over). I know some hotels will not accept a pre-paid gift card for a reservation (even with a Visa or MC logo on it) but some will.

Some hotels will let you put down a deposit with a check in advance - in fact, the DLH used to do that (not sure if they still do).

If none of those options work, maybe your mom will let you reserve a room with her card number? Then, when you actually arrive at the hotel, you can pay them in cash or a check or pre-paid gift/debit card.

 

[smiley_face2]

Being from canada and having to exchange our $$, we've switched from crest cards (higher fees for exchanging) & cash (not secure) to traveller checks. We get them free from our bank & the exchangerate is the best you can get, & of course they are fully secure. When I reserved last time at Howard Johnsons, I used a credit card to hold the room & rate, but paid for it with our traveller checks when we checked in. We did not need the credit card at all, but if you want to be able to use the phone, you need it for security. They put a $5. Per day pre authorization on it, which comes off when u leave. But if that were not an issue, you wouldn't need it at all. Your mom could hold the room for you with her card, hojo's absolutely will not put anything on it at all, then you can just pay cash when you get there. They really are very accomodating and if you call the hotel directly, not the toll free national number & ask for Lorealle or Kimberly they will help you with the information.
I like using traveller checks too, because you can buy some when you have some extra cash and before you know it you have a pile! It's not as tempting to dip into as cash or money in the bank.

 

[prncssmel]

Maybe it's a personal decision, but I do a lot of communications work for banks, and every bank that I have worked with makes it completely easy to get a debit card if you already have a checking account. Like just one form then wait a week for the card in the mail, even with bad credit or underage.

As for without a card, most around DL just require the card to hold the room and won't charge anything to it until you arrive. When we stayed at Quality Inn (by Hojo) in December, they didn't charge anything to my card until after we arrived and were asked how we wanted to pay. If your mom could book with the card, you could just pay cash when you get there.

You could also look for a hotel on a pre-pay site online and check with the hotel to make sure you don't need anything else when you check in.

 

[pdxJolene]

Being from canada and having to exchange our $$, we've switched from crest cards (higher fees for exchanging) & cash (not secure) to traveller checks. We get them free from our bank & the exchangerate is the best you can get, & of course they are fully secure. When I reserved last time at Howard Johnsons, I used a credit card to hold the room & rate, but paid for it with our traveller checks when we checked in. We did not need the credit card at all, but if you want to be able to use the phone, you need it for security. They put a $5. Per day pre authorization on it, which comes off when u leave. But if that were not an issue, you wouldn't need it at all. Your mom could hold the room for you with her card, hojo's absolutely will not put anything on it at all, then you can just pay cash when you get there. They really are very accomodating and if you call the hotel directly, not the toll free national number & ask for Lorealle or Kimberly they will help you with the information.
I like using traveller checks too, because you can buy some when you have some extra cash and before you know it you have a pile! It's not as tempting to dip into as cash or money in the bank.

Travelers checks are a great idea, thanks!

The main reason I'm asking is because the last time I stayed at a hotel they needed a card that they could place a "hold" onto $200 until we checked out for damanges and such. I could do this with a debit card, but then those $200 would be unavailable for the trip. I should just call hojo's, that is a good idea.

 

[jory29]

Being from canada and having to exchange our $$, we've switched from crest cards (higher fees for exchanging) & cash (not secure) to traveller checks. We get them free from our bank & the exchangerate is the best you can get, & of course they are fully secure. When I reserved last time at Howard Johnsons, I used a credit card to hold the room & rate, but paid for it with our traveller checks when we checked in. We did not need the credit card at all, but if you want to be able to use the phone, you need it for security. They put a $5. Per day pre authorization on it, which comes off when u leave. But if that were not an issue, you wouldn't need it at all. Your mom could hold the room for you with her card, hojo's absolutely will not put anything on it at all, then you can just pay cash when you get there. They really are very accomodating and if you call the hotel directly, not the toll free national number & ask for Lorealle or Kimberly they will help you with the information.
I like using traveller checks too, because you can buy some when you have some extra cash and before you know it you have a pile! It's not as tempting to dip into as cash or money in the bank.

So then, you used USD currency travelers cheques to pay for your Hojo room? What conversion rate did they use? Is it the actual conversion rate for whatever is posted at the time, or do they tack on a little bit of a fee to convert. (?) Anyone know if AMA travelers cheques are better than bank ones? Thanks! Sorry to HJ the thread, OP, hope you find your answers here!

 

[reynmagsmom]

when we last stayed at Howard johnson we payed a 50 or 75 dollar deposit on incidentals, which we ended up needing our daughter at 13 didnt realize using the room phone to call her friend back home would cost 3 times it normally does so $15 later for a 5 min phone call was all we had on our bill when we checked out and they refunded the rest, room had been payed for with my mom's CC thru priceline so at that time we were just like you no cards just checks and cash and since then we now each have debit cards for such things during travel but at that time we had stayed at HoJos, Doubletree on city drive and at Castle Inn and they all took a cash deposit but this has been several years ago like in 2004ish was the last trip we did without debit cards so it very well could've changed since then but best bet it to call hotel directly and ask what thier policy is...HTH's even if only a little!!!!

 

[jmainaz]

You might want to call and find out if using a debit card for a security deposit is okay. Some hotels require an actual credit card number or they have to charge your debit card a few hundred dollars.
This is the case for most of the resort hotels in Las Vegas. They will not take a debit card unless you authorize a hefty sum. And then you cannot charge anything to your room.

 

[blackjackdelta]

I have used a debit card for just about everything. Last year we also had some pre-paid cards that we used everywhere except one gas station.
As long as you qualify, the debit card is not an issue. All my stuff for the next trip is on a debit card.

Jack

 

[smiley_face2]

So then, you used USD currency travelers cheques to pay for your Hojo room? What conversion rate did they use? Is it the actual conversion rate for whatever is posted at the time, or do they tack on a little bit of a fee to convert. (?) Anyone know if AMA travelers cheques are better than bank ones? Thanks! Sorry to HJ the thread, OP, hope you find your answers here!

Hi! The conversion rate is a tiny bit more than the actual rate at the time. I got both some cash out, and travellers checks so was able to compare on the spot. I was really shocked that you got a better rate on them than on cash! And of course I learned the hard way in past, the credit card companies really rip you off in the conversion!! It was not only a bad conversion, but an extra 2% on top!!
I have always relied on American Express traveller checks. When I'm out of my own country I go with what is a known thing now. We used to bank with a credit union, and our credit cards from them would not even work in the US most of the time! or, mine would not work but hubby's would...
Now like I said, they are for emergency only. Our car only takes about $120. to get all the way to Disneyland, so we don't need much cash to get there, even at the hotels we've stayed at on the way there we've used cash and never needed a card!
Hojo's will also cash your American Express travellers checks for you in the lobby, hubby and I were able to each cash a $50. check every day. And every store and restaurant we used one in Disneyland took them too.

 

[jenpace]

The main reason I'm asking is because the last time I stayed at a hotel they needed a card that they could place a "hold" onto $200 until we checked out for damanges and such. I could do this with a debit card, but then those $200 would be unavailable for the trip. I should just call hojo's, that is a good idea.

When we've stayed onsite I always ask that they not keep a card on file so none of our $$ is unavailable to use and my request has always been granted. I can't remember if they did this for me at Hojo's but a quick call should get you the answer. Good luck

 

[MartinaC]

I have used a debit card for just about everything. Last year we also had some pre-paid cards that we used everywhere except one gas station.
As long as you qualify, the debit card is not an issue. All my stuff for the next trip is on a debit card.

Jack

I'm with Jack. I only use my debit card. I actually don't have credit cards anymore and never have an issue. Even when I rented a car.

OT:nice to see you on the boards. We are from Canby, just souteast from you.

 

[Sherry E]

I'm with Jack. I only use my debit card. I actually don't have credit cards anymore and never have an issue. Even when I rented a car.

OT:nice to see you on the boards. We are from Canby, just souteast from you.

Yep. That's exactly what I said in my first post - I don't use credit cards anymore, but I keep a couple of debit cards (and even some pre-paid Visa or Master Card gift/debit cards) on hand just for those purposes. Most debit cards that have the Visa or MC logos on them can be processed as though they are credit cards, because it's the same kind of sequence of numbers and they will run through the Visa or MC systems. So most of them should be able to be used for reserving rooms.

For example, when I order from Vons.com, if I have a complaint about my order and have to call them on it, I don't tell them to refund the amount back to my "debit card." They ask me if they should refund it back to my "credit card," and I just say yes. Their system accepts my debit cards just as though they are credit cards, and most places have no problem with it.

I booked my last few DLR hotel stays (either the GCH or PPH) with my debit card, which was processed like a credit card, and they asked for a deposit only because that's their policy with everyone who books rooms, not because it was a debit. When I arrived to DLR, they did not place a hold on any of my money on the debit card because the phone use and all of that is part of their infamous "Resort Fee."

So with Disney hotels it is easy to use a debit card, but for other, non-Disney hotels I am not sure what happens with reserving rooms with debit cards.

But, if traveler's checks (cheques) are a viable option, then that may be the way to go for pdxJolene! I say, use whatever method of reserving & paying you are most comfortable with using!

 

[chrissiecutie]

Ok, I am a former hotel employee of several years (too many if you ask me!) and all hotels I've every worked at or been in contact with have the same policy regarding credit cards.

You MUST reserve your room with a credit or debit card. You simply must, it's just not an option. Depending on how you book your hotel, ie. over the phone directly, through Priceline, AAA, etc. the card may be charged at the time of booking.

If you use your Mom's credit card for airline tickets, then I suggest you kindly ask her if you can use it again to reserve the hotel. Make sure that you are clear on what the policy is at time of booking. If you call the hotel directly, they will only ask for the card# to reserve the room for you.

Upon arrival at ANY hotel, the card you give them at the desk is the one they will "pre-authorize" for incidentials. You can always give them a different card at check in then the one you used to reserve. Depending on the hotel and the level of services this amount varies. It's typically $10 per day at places like Hojo's, Holiday Inn, Best Western etc. and $100 per day at your more "fancy" hotels. So if you're staying at the Holiday Inn for 5 nights, they would typically pre-authorize $50 for your stay.

Sometimes hotels have a very rigid "no cash" policy and will not accept a cash deposit instead of a credit card for incidentials. The idea behind this is that if you go crazy and trash the hotel room, then are able to charge it to your credit card. If all you've given them is $50 cash, then they are out of luck! Check with your hotel directly regarding the cash policy and incidentials.

All hotels will allow you to pay in cash upon check out. However, most will not accept your cash payment upon check in and you will have to wait until you leave to settle your bill.

So as I suggested earlier, ask your Mom to let you reserve the hotel room with her card. Nothing will be charged if you book directly with the hotel or online at their website but be careful for places like Priceline, Travelocity where you might be charged upon booking.

Once you arrive at the hotel, if you haven't already asked them about their cash policy, see if you can put down a cash deposit for your incidentials. If not, just use Mom's card and just settle up when you leave. Nothing is charged to the card until you check out. A set amount is pre-authorized, meaning the hotel is "holding" that amount but once you've checked out, that amount is either charged towards your final bill or released if paying cash. BTW, if you do pay cash at check out and have used Mom's card for the incidential pre-authorization, nothing will show up on the credit card bill. You/Mom will never see this pre-authorization amount. Same if you pay with the card upon check out, you will only see the final bill amount.

I know this doesn't answer your real question about hotels that you don't need a credit card. To be honest, there aren't many hotels out there that don't require a credit/debit card at least to reserve. And frankly, would you want to stay at one that didn't require this?? The policy is a good one, so I suggest you try and work around it if you can.

 

[jtown]

I have used a debit card for just about everything. Last year we also had some pre-paid cards that we used everywhere except one gas station.
As long as you qualify, the debit card is not an issue. All my stuff for the next trip is on a debit card.

Jack

I'm gonna have to go ahead and disagree with you on this one. I've run into a number of situations where a real credit card was demanded. Debit was fine for payment but a real credit card (or an absurd wad of cash) was required for the deposit. Mostly when dealing with vehicle and equipment rentals but occasionally with hotels.

And I've checked in at hotels booked through Expedia that never ask for a card or deposit of any kind. Or even ID. I expect if I tried to use any services (long distance calls, PPV, video game, etc.) I'd have to go down to the desk and open a tab. I've also stayed in some big-name hotels in Vegas that are perfectly happy to take cash and no deposit from Joe Smith of 123 Fake St. as long as they pay in advance.

My point is that the only way to know how a specific hotel handles their guests is to call that hotel and ask. All of this anecdotal stuff doesn't help her a bit. There's no reason this needs to be a big stress deal for the OP. She just needs to see which hotels are within walking distance and start calling them until she finds one that will handle the reservation, payment, and deposit in a manner that meets her requirements.

Oh, and I wouldn't advise trying to hand them someone else's credit card at the check-in counter to cover the deposit unless mom's going to be there, too.

 

[smiley_face2]

I'm gonna have to go ahead and disagree with you on this one. I've run into a number of situations where a real credit card was demanded. Debit was fine for payment but a real credit card (or an absurd wad of cash) was required for the deposit. Mostly when dealing with vehicle and equipment rentals but occasionally with hotels.

And I've checked in at hotels booked through Expedia that never ask for a card or deposit of any kind. Or even ID. I expect if I tried to use any services (long distance calls, PPV, video game, etc.) I'd have to go down to the desk and open a tab. I've also stayed in some big-name hotels in Vegas that are perfectly happy to take cash and no deposit from Joe Smith of 123 Fake St. as long as they pay in advance.

My point is that the only way to know how a specific hotel handles their guests is to call that hotel and ask. All of this anecdotal stuff doesn't help her a bit. There's no reason this needs to be a big stress deal for the OP. She just needs to see which hotels are within walking distance and start calling them until she finds one that will handle the reservation, payment, and deposit in a manner that meets her requirements.

Oh, and I wouldn't advise trying to hand them someone else's credit card at the check-in counter to cover the deposit unless mom's going to be there, too.

yup, have to agree with you on all of this, even in Chrissiecutie's post, there were things that she stated as a former hotel employee, that were just not how it went for us! Phone the actual hotel directly and ask to speak with the in-house reservations, the toll free numbers will not be able to give specific information on individual hotels. you can ask to speak to a manager as well, as even front desk staff don't always know the policies.

 

[Sherry E]

I think we are all on board with the idea of calling the hotel or hotels - we have all suggested it in our posts, whether we have had the same experiences as everyone else or different experiences. I think we have all said in some way, shape or form, essentially, "Call the hotel and see what you can work out." And I think pdxJolene already said yesterday that she would call HoJo's, so she's going to get it figured out! I don't think the prospect of 'not calling' was ever a consideration.

 

[Littleprincess2010]

I think HOJO's just needs the CC to reserve the booking and then when you get there you can pay in a number of different ways including cash or Traveller's cheques.

My Husband booked the room on his CC but we'll be paying in cash because the exchange rate is better for us to pay cash rather than CC (and whatever rate the CC decides to give us that day ).

 

[chrissiecutie]

I suggested using Mom's CC to reserve the room and contacting the hotel to find out what their specific cash policy is. I agree with the other poster who didn't recommend trying to check in under a credit card in someone else's name, even if it is your mom!

It's been my experience working in this field that you MUST have a CC to reserve the room. Just reserve...

There's lots of different policies regarding other forms of accepted payment and each hotel will vary. However all that I've ever had experience with both as an employee and as a guest, a CC (or debit) has been required to make the reservation.

It's also been my experience that if the hotel does not require this, then perhaps there's a reason for this. Personally, I'm very skeptical of a hotel that will take cash easily and not worry with having a credit card on file.

To the OP, maybe Mom will let you use her CC through one of the prepay websites?? Then you could just pay her back in cash or check?? Contact the hotel directly to see if you can put down cash for your incidentials if you've had Mom prepay for the room.

Good luck!

 

[blackjackdelta]

I'm gonna have to go ahead and disagree with you on this one. I've run into a number of situations where a real credit card was demanded. Debit was fine for payment but a real credit card (or an absurd wad of cash) was required for the deposit. Mostly when dealing with vehicle and equipment rentals but occasionally with hotels.

And I've checked in at hotels booked through Expedia that never ask for a card or deposit of any kind. Or even ID. I expect if I tried to use any services (long distance calls, PPV, video game, etc.) I'd have to go down to the desk and open a tab. I've also stayed in some big-name hotels in Vegas that are perfectly happy to take cash and no deposit from Joe Smith of 123 Fake St. as long as they pay in advance.

My point is that the only way to know how a specific hotel handles their guests is to call that hotel and ask. All of this anecdotal stuff doesn't help her a bit. There's no reason this needs to be a big stress deal for the OP. She just needs to see which hotels are within walking distance and start calling them until she finds one that will handle the reservation, payment, and deposit in a manner that meets her requirements.

Oh, and I wouldn't advise trying to hand them someone else's credit card at the check-in counter to cover the deposit unless mom's going to be there, too.

I am not disagreeing with what you have said. I do not rent equipment or vehicles so have no experience, but I do travel all over the states and the rest of the world and have not run into said problem(s). They should call not rely on anyones opinion. By the way just spent two days at the Wynn on a debit card.

Jack