I booked a three nights stay at a Hotel in Germany, including breakfast. The total price is 420 EUR, which I have already partially paid by points. When trying to check-in online it is mandatory to approve a pre-authorization of 990 EUR. Without accepting that it seems to be impossible to check-in online. I understand that the pre-authorization includes some spend on incidentals, but blocking almost 1,000 Euro on my credit card if the accommodation including breakfast will cost me less than 400 Euro seems outrageous. Is this a tendency that anyone else has experienced? And is there a way to check-in online without accepting the pre-authorization? I would like to use online check-in to save some time at the reception desk and to request early check-in if available.