Originally Posted by
jfalfarord
You just said it: unless the credit card is on file on the IHG website, you have to leave a credit card on file. My credit card is on file at the IHG website, but the girl at check in specifically said: "I see you have a credit card on the website. I need to see your credit card in order to verify it is yours." That is what I am describing as an uncommon practice, at least in the US.
As people have noted, this is very common for many hotels to have cc on file. Whether in the states or elsewhere in Europe and Asia. I haven't come across any hotels (not just IHG) that have not asked for cc at check-in or verify that cc used at booking. Not at all uncommon.