The pre-authorisation varies a lot between properties... But normally they keep it decent by only including a fairly low amount for incidentals. I've got a card where I get an e-mail for all authorizations so that gives some insight in what they actually do.

But it's not only the card company that's to blame. When your final payment is made a property should make sure that in doing so they also cancel your per-authorization. That's the way it's supposed to work.

And if they would charge me a ridiculous amount as a pre-authorization I simply wouldn't accept that.....and you should use an ATM for withdrawals, no pre-authorisation needed.