Thank you all for your replies.

hangpilot: sending a check is more desireable than sending credit card info via email because if for some reason there is any usavory element on the other end, I've only lost the value of the check. I'm far more exposed if I were to send my credit card information in an email.

I understand using a credit card to secure the reservation and to have on file in case of any damages. My hesitation is with the method with which the credit card information is sent to the hotel.