We all know that even at the most upscale of hotels, you are required to present a valid credit card upon check in. There are some exceptions, such as Asia where they respect your honor at some hotels. However in Europe it's quite rare.

Yet at my first two 2004 stays at Euro I-C properties I've not been asked for a credit card at check-in. This was at a HI express in the U.K. and a CP in Spain. Is this a new feature? Are we to be treated as men of honor now?