Originally Posted by Often1

I don't think that's what this is about. The GM is looking for approval. If he doesn't get it, I suspect that the reservation gets cancelled.

Problem is that OP has a $109 rate during a major event. The GM likely hopes that OP won't get back to him so that he can cancel the reservation and then rent the room for $500.

In situations such as this, playing too cute by half can leave you very disappointed.

I would make 100% certain that you have this properly lined up and confirmed before your arrival. If you can talk the GM out of the deposit all the better. If you can't, you will need to pay the deposit and deal with it afterwards if you can't make it (but having agreed to it, the chargeback won't work).