I only use my hilton credit card for hotel bookings, and I do not carry it with me unless I am travelling outside the country. I always ask the person checking me in to use the credit card on file. Generally the person checking me in acts as though it is no big deal, but occasionally they mention something along the lines of "you can use the card on file because you are a gold or diamond."

However, the Hilton Omaha wouldn't let me use the card on file. I didn't raise too much of a fuss about it, since it was a relatively cheap one night stay.

Anyone have any idea on why the policy might vary? Is there some kind of higher transaction cost for the hotel or are they wary about credit card fraud?

I apologize if this has previously been discussed, but I couldn't find anything using a title search.