Room Only and Online Check In

[kck182]

If I do online check in and add a card for room charging, will my balance be added to my card before I arrive? We are planning on using up some gift cards and we won't arrive to our hotel till about 8PM. I guess in the end it doesn't make too much of a difference, I would just like to know what to expect.

Thanks.

 

[justcantwait]

I don't think they charge your card until you get there. From what I recall, you should be able to check in, apply your gift cards to the bill, then have your credit card cover the rest. I've never had them charge my card before I got there. Hopefully someone else can confirm this.

Kathy

 

[Maggie'sMom]

If I do online check in and add a card for room charging, will my balance be added to my card before I arrive? We are planning on using up some gift cards and we won't arrive to our hotel till about 8PM. I guess in the end it doesn't make too much of a difference, I would just like to know what to expect.

Thanks.

Unfortunately, yes, they will charge your room balance to your credit card before you arrive. I had it happen last December. I did online checkin and gave a credit card for charging purposes. I had gift cards I had planned to use to pay off the room balance. When I arrived, they had to credit back my credit card and apply the gift cards. The CM was really nice about it, but it was a bit of a pain.

I'm planning to use gift cards to pay for my room for my next trip as well. I think I'll call ahead of time and have them apply the gift cards to my balance before doing online check in.