I asked the fairmont and this is my reply. (I emailed because my phone had died and I really wanted to know)
Fairmont:
"If a deposit is taken for your reservation, the information on the amount should be provided on the website where it was booked." Meaning Fanime Housing website. I was also told to contact the website which I booked on.
This is what I was told by Fanime Housing:
"If you are referring to the deposit that the hotel request when you check in, that will be $100 per day whether you pay in cash or swipe a credit or debit card. This $100 per day is in addition to the cost of your room."
They also told me the hotels don't usually do this. So I have no idea and I think I'm going to verbally call them this time.
...But Fanime's site never said anything about deposits. -_- I'm really not liking this even more now.
michiko nakano : Ugh see that's what I'm worried about. I honestly don't think it's right that it's 100$ per night and that's charging nearly maxing out our credit card. How is this even legal if hotels don't normally do this? I'm even more frustrated now than I was before.
Hotels DO normally do this. The amount and method may vary, but security deposits are not rare. Having stayed in hotels all across the country (and internationally) I can attest to this. The fairmont charging $100/night is a bit expensive, as the Marriott and the Hilton both charge $50/night for their deposit, but again, that is the hotel's policy.
This deposit is usually posted as an "authorized" charge. Meaning that you won't see it when the official charge is processed, but it will be pending on your account and tie up these funds for the weekend, especially considering that it's a holiday weekend, which is why attendees need to be particularly attentive if they have a very tight budget. If the room at the Hilton is going to run you $300 for 3 nights, expect the authorizing charge to be ~$450. When the charge finally goes through roughly 1-3 business days following checkout, it will be that original $300, but the security deposit is to cover the hotel in case you thrash the room and take off.
Again, it seems that Moonblossom has had some exceptional service from some of their hotel staff, so perhaps speaking with some of the staff at the hotel in person can help you circumvent this, but I would not hold my breath, nor would I try to "lock in" a no-deposit deal right now, over 8 weeks before Fanime is supposed to happen. Why?
Now:
Fanime attendee: Hey, what's this about a deposit? Is there any way I could just pay my room cost with no deposit fee?
Helpful attendant on the phone: Sure thing. Anything to please the customer!
At Fanime:
Fanime attendee: Right, and I"m not being charged a deposit right?
Check-in attendant: Actually, you are.
Attendee: But...I spoke with someone...uh...Jennifer was her name?
Attendant: Jennifer no longer works here. I'm sorry, we expect deposits from everyone.
Attendee: X_X
In short: plan on the deposit.