Hilton HHonors - Why does Hilton.com require a pre-payment?

I need to reserve 2 nights in Vegas in February. All the rates are regular rates (no web specials), yet Hilton.com wants to charge 1st night at the time of reservation. It is fully refundable as long as I cancel 48 hours out, but I just don't want Hilton.com holding my money for 4 months.

This seems to be unique to Vegas. Any ideas why?

I need to reserve 2 nights in Vegas in February. All the rates are regular rates (no web specials), yet Hilton.com wants to charge 1st night at the time of reservation. It is fully refundable as long as I cancel 48 hours out, but I just don't want Hilton.com holding my money for 4 months.

This seems to be unique to Vegas. Any ideas why?
Very common, esp. on weekends and high season. Not really a big deal since you can always cancel.

It's also common in Hawaii, not necessary Hilton properties.

It does seem to be all Hotels in Vegas require the first night room rate as a deposit but it does seem refundable. Just check the terms and conditions on the reservation for the cancelation policy.

Hi,

As mentioned , a lot of the hotels in Las Vegas ( inc the strip hotels-Bellagio etc) require the first night to be paid as a deposit ( usually refundable if you cancel more than 48 hours before arrival but check on the particular hotel policy).

The Embassy Suites in LV have not charged a deposit in my experience ( although the LV Hilton and the HGVC's will charge)

Regards

TBS

Hi,

As mentioned , a lot of the hotels in Las Vegas ( inc the strip hotels-Bellagio etc) require the first night to be paid as a deposit ( usually refundable if you cancel more than 48 hours before arrival but check on the particular hotel policy).

The Embassy Suites in LV have not charged a deposit in my experience ( although the LV Hilton and the HGVC's will charge)

Regards

TBS

Thanks for the heads up about ES! ^

I may still change the res to a Hilton, but I just have a hard time giving somebody my money 4 months ahead, especially in Vegas. There are 100's of thousands of rooms, so I don't understand their policy. I do, when it's a small resort with limited competition in a remote area(s).

ES was priced reasonably and no deposit needed. Thanks again! :)

Rates change, generally upward. If you want to stay at the Hilton it's best to pay the deposit and reserve now. As others have noted, you can always cancel.

The airlines make you pay for your tickets when you buy them, even though the flight may be as much as 11 months out. They have your money for that amount of time. And you can't cancel without a penalty. Assuming you fly, do you complain about this too?

The airlines make you pay for your tickets when you buy them, even though the flight may be as much as 11 months out. They have your money for that amount of time. And you can't cancel without a penalty. Assuming you fly, do you complain about this too?


You have a valid point here, except I never buy airline tickets more than 2 months out, if that. Most of my tickets are bought 1 month or less before the flight.

My award tickets are bought about 4-6 months out and I do have to pay taxes on them, but usually I only do 1 award ticket a year and it's a very complicated OW award so I'm very much committed by the time I book it. It involves many flights in F over a month+ long period. I also need time to make hotel reservations and research the local areas for sightseeing possibilities.

2 nights in Vegas in Feb? No commitment, thousands of rooms available, etc,etc. IMHO, a big difference.

In any event, the ES suggestion worked great. I'm all set.