Ouch. I don't want to come across cheap. The thing is that for someone like me $500 is a lot of money, especially when a trip is planned and you want to go shopping or do things [My bank releases such funds back only after a long while sometimes]
I was actually looking forward to stay someplace really nice (as I haven't had a real vacation in a year and live in a dorm) but that might not be happening now
I hardly can book through PL, and then discover that the hotel won't let me stay there, b/c I can't cover a huge deposit, or only have a debit card.
I don't care about the minibar key, and for sure wouldn't trash anything. But see above, I don't know if the hotel would actually offer such kind of deal.
Thanks so much for all the nice replies:-:
PS. I think the hotel can refuse to let you stay there, if you refuse to pay a deposit. It's for sure in their terms&conditions. And with PL, you probably agree to agree to the hotel's terms&conditions (Either way, I wouldn't dare to ask that)