Dubious hotel billing practice?
Dec 30, 2017, 1:38 pm
#17
Join Date: Nov 2015
Programs: DL, Marriott & IHG Platty; HH Diamonte
Posts: 861
Second time this has happened to me recently at two different hotels, wondering if it's the start of a bad trend or I'm just behind the times.
At check-in, charged the full amount for my expected stay on my credit card. Not just a pending hold, but a full charge.
At check-out, charged again for the full stay.
First time it happened it took me a full month to get the first charge removed and I wrote it off to bad accounting.
Second time it happened I questioned the hotel and was told this is now normal policy, that I have to wait for a credit to be issued for the original charge.
Is this a legit business practice? Just doesn't seem right to me.
At check-in, charged the full amount for my expected stay on my credit card. Not just a pending hold, but a full charge.
At check-out, charged again for the full stay.
First time it happened it took me a full month to get the first charge removed and I wrote it off to bad accounting.
Second time it happened I questioned the hotel and was told this is now normal policy, that I have to wait for a credit to be issued for the original charge.
Is this a legit business practice? Just doesn't seem right to me.
Dec 31, 2017, 7:07 pm
#18
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: San Diego, CA
Programs: GE, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 15,507
I can confirm that it's definitely pre-pay at Motel 6 but considering that all they really sell is the room, it's straightforward to do. However, it's a bit harder to do with more high end properties due to things like room service and being able to charge hotel purchases to the room.
Jan 2, 2018, 2:41 am
#19
Moderator: UK and Ireland & Europe
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Biggleswade
Programs: SK*G, Lots of Blue Elsewhere
Posts: 13,611
I can confirm that it's definitely pre-pay at Motel 6 but considering that all they really sell is the room, it's straightforward to do. However, it's a bit harder to do with more high end properties due to things like room service and being able to charge hotel purchases to the room.
Jan 2, 2018, 7:01 am
#20
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: PHL
Programs: AA ExP, Marriott Amb, National EAE, Hilton Diamond, SPG Plat (RIP), US CP (RIP)
Posts: 2,379
I can confirm that it's definitely pre-pay at Motel 6 but considering that all they really sell is the room, it's straightforward to do. However, it's a bit harder to do with more high end properties due to things like room service and being able to charge hotel purchases to the room.
Hotels can easily process two billings per reservation if it suits their business model.