Debit card reminder!

[gonna go cruising]

If you plan on using your checkcard or debit card for your stay, think twice on it. I just returned from Portofino and they tied up 2109.00 of my funds for an 849.00 stay. I had prepaid the first night, and didn't have a clue until the day after checking out when Walmart of all places denied my card and I was able to call my bank from down there only to find that the hotel had put a hold for 1260 on my account and then upon my checking out they charged me the 849, without telling me that they had tied up the additional funds, and putting quite a damper on the rest of the trip. I had plenty of funds left but they were on hold for the hotel still, and would not be released until three days after I checked out.


Just an FYI. I dont want anyone to go through what we did. Other than that, it was an awesome trip!!!!

 

[annie2871]

We did not have this problem at HRH. They did not take the one night deposit before we arrived and they day we checked in, they took the entire amount out of my checking account - I verified this the day after we got there by calling back home to my bank. They did not put a hold on anything either. I full use of the $$ in my account.

Sorry you had your problem, but I just wanted to inform everyone that that is not always the case.

 

[gonna go cruising]

I am glad you didnt have that problem, but according to the front desk when I went to straighten it out, they do this always with debit cards at the Portofino Bay. It could be that it was a one time error and the person didnt want to admit it, but they seemed very convincing that this is not out of the ordinary at all.

I do plan on staying there again, but will not give a debit card upon checking in, I will pay cash up front (which essentially a debit card would do) or would do as you did and request they please go ahead and debit the entire amount upon checking in. I assumed they would do a daily debit which they did not.

 

[kbeverina]

This happened to a friend of mine last year when he stayed at a hotel in New York City and used a debit card to confirm the reservation and check in. They held a fairly large sum, almost all that he had in his checking account, and he wasn't able to access it again until the Monday following the July 4th weekend. He had no idea they were doing this until he tried to use the card that evening at dinner and it was rejected. Fortunately his girlfriend was able to pay, but it was embarrassing.

 

[Tigger/Pooh]

The HRH did this to me last year. I caught it as soon as they did it. I think what they do is swipe your card for 1200 so you can charge to your hotel key. The front desk manager was very nice about the whole thing. He wrote a letter to my bank immediately and faxed it over. They released the funds by that afternoon. I've learned to say, "This is my debit card. Please do not authorized it for more than my room charge. I do not wish to charge back to my room with my hotel key." It seems to work fine. I haven't had a problem since.

 

[Kimberlyfamilyfv]

I have often debated this too. To use or not to use. However, I stayed at the royal pacific and did not have any trouble with my debit card being used for my bill. But, I was very upfront about the fact that I was using my debit card and that I did not want any additional charges or holds against my card without my knowledge. And they were very nice in following my wishes. I personally believe that charging against your room can get you into trouble and cause you to spend more than your budget allows or that you intended too. I take so much money with me per day for food and incedentals and I stick to it. I prefer to take cash or travelers checks to keep on hand for spending money.

 

[MelindaKiah]

Do they do this with a credit card too? I think I'll just take traveller's cheques and pay the full room price up front. If I do this, are we still able to charge things to our room on site, or would I have to leave a deposit?

Thanks!!

 

[Tigger/Pooh]

Credit cards are different. When they swipe your credit card, they are seeing if you have the money available. It doesn't go into a holding account like your debit card does. Once they swipe your debit, it's over. The money is taken right then. You can use your credit card without any trouble. Then you can charge back to your room with your key. I think the only way to charge back to your room is to leave your credit card on file. Universal usually swipes your card for 1200 availability. Disney swipes it for 1500.