Online Hotel Check-in Question

[ironband74]

So I see that I can now check in for our stay starting on the 2nd of January.

I am hesitant to do so as I see that it wants a credit card for the balance, and this stay is a surprise that I don't want my DW to see on the Credit Card before we get there (I was able to do the reservation fee on my business account, but wasn't planning on doing the balance on that account). Can anyone confirm whether the hold on the card goes through when you check in, or does it not go through until the day of arrival?

Trying to preserve the surprise...If that means waiting until we get there to check in, then so be it.

 

[Pluto468]

So I see that I can now check in for our stay starting on the 2nd of January.

I am hesitant to do so as I see that it wants a credit card for the balance, and this stay is a surprise that I don't want my DW to see on the Credit Card before we get there (I was able to do the reservation fee on my business account, but wasn't planning on doing the balance on that account). Can anyone confirm whether the hold on the card goes through when you check in, or does it not go through until the day of arrival?

Trying to preserve the surprise...If that means waiting until we get there to check in, then so be it.

I can't remember if it shows up right away, but it's possible. Maybe you could call the hotel and ask?

Any chance you could check in the night before you leave, or first thing in the morning the day of the trip? Perhaps your wife wouldn't see the charge because you'll be traveling, but you'll still be able to do early check in and skip going to the desk when you arrive.

 

[RoseColored97]

If you're just doing a credit card for incidentals (ie the hotel is already paid in full), so far they have not put a charge on my credit card. I did the online check in yesterday and we check in tomorrow. This happened the last time we stayed at the Grand Californian as well. We added a credit card but were never charged. There is conflicting info given at the front desk, though, because we had called to ask about this and she said as soon as you hit "check in", it will immediately charge to your card.

 

[Nonsuch]

Another data point:
I just completed (10:45AM) online check-in for a January 1 arrival, this is a VGC stay.
There has been no charge to my credit card.

 

[brentm77]

Checked in in the app. Card charge came through minutes before the room was assigned on the day we arrived. Nothing came through before then. FYI, I would stop by the front desk and get card keys. Made it all the way to my room and the app wouldn't open my door as promised.

 

[ironband74]

Excellent. I'm off to check in

Checked in in the app. Card charge came through minutes before the room was assigned on the day we arrived. Nothing came through before then. FYI, I would stop by the front desk and get card keys. Made it all the way to my room and the app wouldn't open my door as promised.