{"id":47916,"date":"2023-06-09T06:54:56","date_gmt":"2023-06-09T06:54:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.peeryhotel.com\/?p=47916"},"modified":"2024-04-13T22:57:51","modified_gmt":"2024-04-13T22:57:51","slug":"how-long-do-hotels-hold-deposit","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.peeryhotel.com\/how-long-do-hotels-hold-deposit\/","title":{"rendered":"How Long Do Hotels Hold Deposits: A Comprehensive Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"
Booking a hotel stay often requires a deposit, but how long do hotels hold onto that money? This question is a common concern for travelers, especially those on a tight budget or planning an extended trip.<\/p>\n
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: Hotels typically hold deposits for a few days after check-out, but the exact duration can vary depending on the hotel’s policies, the payment method used, and any incidental charges incurred during your stay.<\/b><\/p>\n
In this comprehensive article, we’ll dive deep into the intricacies of hotel deposit policies, exploring factors that influence how long hotels hold deposits, common practices across different hotel chains, and tips to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience when it comes to deposit refunds.<\/p>\n
A hotel deposit<\/a>, often referred to as a “reservation guarantee” or “security deposit,” is a sum of money that hotels require upfront to secure your booking.<\/strong> This deposit serves as a financial commitment, ensuring that you’ll follow through with your reservation.<\/p>\n It’s typically charged to your credit or debit card<\/a> before you arrive at the hotel. Deposits can range from a small portion of the total cost to the full amount, depending on the hotel’s policies and the length of your stay.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n There are a few key reasons why hotels request deposits from guests:<\/p>\n The length of time a hotel holds onto your deposit can vary significantly based on several factors:<\/p>\n The majority of hotels hold deposits for 3-7 days after check-out, while a few of them release holds immediately, and only about 10% hold them for over a week.<\/b> However, these timeframes can vary significantly based on the factors mentioned above.<\/p>\n It’s always a good idea to familiarize yourself with the specific deposit policies of the hotel you’re staying at. Many hotels outline their deposit hold practices on their websites or in their booking confirmations.<\/p>\n If you have any concerns or questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to the hotel’s customer service team for clarification. \ud83d\udc4d<\/p>\n When it comes to hotel deposits, each major chain has its own set of policies and procedures.<\/strong> It’s important to understand these practices before booking your stay to avoid any surprises or misunderstandings.<\/p>\n Here’s a breakdown of how some of the most popular hotel chains handle deposits:<\/p>\n Marriott hotels typically require a deposit equal to one night’s stay plus taxes and fees.<\/strong> This deposit is usually charged to your credit or debit card at the time of booking.<\/p>\n According to Marriott’s deposit policy<\/a>, the deposit is fully refundable if you cancel your reservation at least 48-72 hours prior to your scheduled arrival date (depending on the specific hotel).\u00a0Marriott hotels hold the deposit for up to 5 business days<\/a> after check-out to cover any incidental charges.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hilton’s deposit policy<\/a> varies depending on the specific brand and hotel.<\/strong> Generally, Hilton hotels require a deposit equal to one night’s stay or a percentage of your total stay (typically 10-25%).<\/p>\n This deposit is charged at the time of booking and is refundable if you cancel within the specified cancellation window (usually 24-72 hours before arrival).\u00a0Hilton hotels may also place a hold on your credit card<\/a> or debit card for incidental charges, which is typically released within 5-7 business days after check-out.<\/p>\n IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) hotels, which include brands like Holiday Inn, Crowne Plaza, and InterContinental, have a deposit policy<\/a> that varies by hotel.<\/strong> Some IHG hotels may require a deposit equal to one night’s stay, while others may require a percentage of your total stay.<\/p>\n According to IHG’s FAQs<\/a>, deposits are typically charged at the time of booking and are refundable if you cancel within the specified cancellation window (usually 24-72 hours before arrival). IHG hotels may also place a hold on your credit or debit card for incidental charges, which is released within 7-10 business days after check-out.<\/p>\n Hyatt hotels generally require a deposit equal to one night’s stay plus taxes and fees.<\/strong> This deposit is charged to your credit or debit card at the time of booking.<\/p>\n According to Hyatt’s deposit and cancellation policies<\/a>, the deposit is fully refundable if you cancel your reservation at least 48-72 hours prior to your scheduled arrival date (depending on the specific hotel). Hyatt hotels hold the deposit for up to 7-10 business days after check-out to cover any incidental charges.<\/p>\n Wyndham hotels, which include brands like Ramada, Travelodge, and Wyndham Grand, have a deposit policy that varies by hotel and brand<\/strong>. Some Wyndham hotels may require a deposit equal to one night’s stay, while others may require a percentage of your total stay.<\/p>\n According to Wyndham’s cancellation policy<\/a>, deposits are typically charged at the time of booking and are refundable if you cancel within the specified cancellation window (usually 24-72 hours before arrival). Wyndham hotels may also place a hold on your credit or debit card for incidental charges, which is released within 7-10 business days after check-out.<\/p>\n While these are the general practices among major hotel chains, it’s always a good idea to check the specific deposit and cancellation policies for the hotel you’re booking. Don’t hesitate to contact the hotel directly if you have any questions or concerns. Happy travels!<\/p>\n When booking a hotel stay, one of the most common questions guests have is: “How long do hotels hold deposits?”<\/strong> The answer can vary depending on the payment method used, as well as the hotel’s policies.<\/p>\n In this section, we’ll explore the different payment options and their corresponding deposit hold times.<\/p>\n Credit cards are widely accepted at most hotels, and they are often the preferred payment method for guests<\/strong>.<\/p>\n When you book a hotel room using a credit card, the hotel typically places a hold on your card for the full amount of your stay, plus an additional amount to cover incidentals like room service, mini-bar charges, or damages.\u00a0This hold is often referred to as a “pre-authorization” or “deposit.”<\/p>\n The length of time a hotel holds a credit card deposit can vary, but it’s generally between 3-10 business days after check-out<\/strong>. Some hotels may release the hold as soon as you check out, while others may hold the funds for up to 30 days.<\/p>\n It’s important to note that the hold doesn’t necessarily mean the hotel has charged your card \u2013 it’s simply a temporary hold to ensure you have enough funds to cover your stay.<\/p>\n While debit cards are also accepted at most hotels, the deposit hold process can be slightly different.<\/strong> When you use a debit card, the hotel may immediately deduct the full amount of your stay from your checking account, rather than placing a hold.\u00a0This means the funds are unavailable to you until the hotel releases the hold, which can take up to 10 business days after check-out.<\/p>\n It’s important to note that some hotels may treat debit card transactions like credit card transactions, placing a hold instead of an immediate charge.<\/strong> In these cases, the hold time would be similar to that of a credit card deposit.\u00a0However, it’s always a good idea to check with the hotel about their specific policies regarding debit card deposits.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n If you prefer to pay with cash, the hotel may require a cash deposit upon check-in.<\/strong> The amount of the deposit can vary, but it’s typically equal to the cost of one night’s stay or a set amount, such as $100.\u00a0This deposit serves as a security measure to cover any incidental charges or damages during your stay.<\/p>\n Unlike credit or debit card deposits, cash deposits are usually refunded upon check-out, provided there are no additional charges or damages to your room.<\/strong><\/p>\n Some hotels may even refund the cash deposit during your stay, while others may hold onto it until after you’ve checked out.\u00a0It’s always a good idea to clarify the hotel’s policy regarding cash deposits before your stay.<\/p>\n If you book your hotel stay through a third-party booking site like Expedia<\/a>, Booking.com<\/a>, or Hotels.com<\/a>, the deposit hold process may be slightly different.<\/strong> These sites often require a deposit or full payment upfront, which is then transferred to the hotel.<\/p>\n The deposit hold time can vary depending on the booking site’s policies and the hotel’s policies. In some cases, the hold may be released immediately after check-out, while in others, it may take up to 10 business days or more.<\/p>\n It’s always a good idea to check with the booking site and the hotel to understand their specific deposit hold policies.<\/strong><\/p>\n Regardless of the payment method you choose, it’s essential to be aware of the deposit hold times and plan accordingly. Having a clear understanding of when the funds will be released can help you avoid any unexpected overdraft fees or financial inconveniences during your trip.<\/p>\n Remember, if you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to the hotel or booking site for clarification.<\/p>\n When you book a hotel, the initial deposit you pay often covers just the room rate.<\/strong> However, there are various incidental charges that can quickly add up and potentially extend the hold on your deposit.<\/p>\n Understanding these charges is crucial to avoid unpleasant surprises and manage your expenses effectively. Here’s a breakdown of common incidental charges and their impact on your hotel stay:<\/p>\n One of the most common incidental charges is room service and minibar usage.<\/strong> Indulging in late-night snacks or enjoying a meal in the comfort of your room can be convenient, but it comes at a cost.<\/p>\n Hotels typically charge a premium for these services, and the charges can quickly accumulate, especially if you have a larger group or an extended stay. A small percentage\u00a0of hotel guests in the United States use the minibar during their stay.<\/p>\n <\/p>\nWhy Do Hotels Require Deposits?<\/h3>\n
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Factors Influencing Deposit Hold Duration<\/h3>\n
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Common Practices Among Major Hotel Chains<\/h2>\n
Marriott Hotels<\/h3>\n
Hilton Hotels<\/h3>\n
IHG Hotels<\/h3>\n
Hyatt Hotels<\/h3>\n
Wyndham Hotels<\/h3>\n
Payment Methods and Deposit Hold Times<\/h2>\n
Credit Card Deposits<\/h3>\n
Debit Card Deposits<\/h3>\n
Cash Deposits<\/h3>\n
Third-Party Booking Sites<\/h3>\n
Incidental Charges and Their Impact<\/h2>\n
Room Service and Minibar Charges<\/h3>\n
Damage Fees<\/h3>\n