Other Hotel Programs - Need advice re: NH 50% hotel deals

From this thread : http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/hotel-deals/1273397-nh-50-discount-berlin-milan-amsterdam-madrid-canary-islands.html

I had booked for what I thought was a good deal until I had to cancel...

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/17364014-post7.html


..

Reservation Guarantee Policy

You have guaranteed your reservation with a credit card. You will be charged a one-night cancellation fee if you do not cancel within the limits set forth by the cancellation policy.* This does not apply to reservations booked with special rates, in which case the corresponding terms and conditions apply...

Even though its not prepaid, its acting as if it is ...

Special conditions
• A limited-time discount of 50% has already been applied to the rate displayed.
• Reservation must be guaranteed with a credit card. You will not be charged until check-out.
• Modifications, cancellations and no-shows: the full value of the original booked stay will be charged.
• NH World Credits cannot be used to pay for this rate.
Guaranteed
Modifications not allowed...

So am I scr*wed ???

I was thinking that the only way to prevent them from charging my cc when I cancel is to 'lose' my card before check in date... then they can't charge the present card...