Originally Posted by
paulmoscow
I keep a close eye on all my credit card transactions and not a single hotel ever authorized anything before check-in (of course with exception of Advance Purchase rates).
Over here it is quite common; some of the hotels will pre authorise a set amount to allow for charges to the room. If it is a flexible rate some will pre authorise the room cost and an allowance for charges. Some do not do this, and some waive it for plat members knowing there is a card on file. I have also come across the pre authorizations frequently in the US.