Originally Posted by
Often1
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).
I would disagree about the chargeback, if the OP never approves the charge. Unless the GM sent a letter, certified mail, return receipt requested, there's no proof that the OP was ever notified.