I saw someone try to rent a hotel room without a credit card a few months ago. I was waiting in the lobby of a Hampton Inn when a man and his kids approached the desk and tried to get a room with cash. The clerk explained that they could do it but would need a substantial cash deposit in addition to the cost of the room. The man tried to argue that they often stayed at other hotels and didn't have to leave so much money. I had to leave before I saw how it ended but it was an interesting discussion. It was particularly amusing when the mother came in later and the little girl shouted to her "This is a REALLY expensive hotel!"