I stayed at a US hotel last night and a $150 hold was put on my card. I had to sign to acknowledge the charge. And this was on a prepaid stay. When I look at that card, it shows the charge as pending. It will be released on check out with the actual charge from my stay posted.

It's very common in the US.

It's best to use a charge card and not a debit card. I've read that it can take several weeks to get it back on a debit card.