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FanimeCon Events and Discussionmentarianism => Hotel and Facilities => Topic started by: Moonblossom on January 30, 2009, 02:01:53 PM

Title: Re: Hotel Deposits
Post by: Moonblossom on January 30, 2009, 02:01:53 PM
I think it's to cover possible incedental damages, such as stained or torn linens and carpets, broken plumbing, snuck-in pets, smoking in non-smoking rooms, stolen bathrobes, or any other nutty thing that could possibly be anticipated but not expected.

edit: For the record, it's not always charged. In my two years at the Hilton for Fanime, I was never charged an advance deposit. I suspect outward appearance at check-in may impact whether or not it's charged for most hotels, as harsh as that sounds. Back when I used to go to Anaheim for AX and I checked in with a loud, goofy friend wearing cat ears and nine billion pins on her falling-apart backpack, they charged me. Now when I wear a nice blouse, travel with one shiny new suitcase and a quiet, male travel companion who usually dresses in slacks and a dress shirt, I've yet to be charged an advance deposit, no matter what hotel chain in what city we're staying in. I guess we just don't look like "risks".
Title: Re: Hotel Deposits
Post by: FanFicGuru on February 03, 2009, 12:24:10 PM
Quote from: Moonblossom on January 30, 2009, 02:01:53 PM
I think it's to cover possible incedental damages, such as stained or torn linens and carpets, broken plumbing, snuck-in pets, smoking in non-smoking rooms, stolen bathrobes, or any other nutty thing that could possibly be anticipated but not expected.

edit: For the record, it's not always charged. In my two years at the Hilton for Fanime, I was never charged an advance deposit. I suspect outward appearance at check-in may impact whether or not it's charged for most hotels, as harsh as that sounds. Back when I used to go to Anaheim for AX and I checked in with a loud, goofy friend wearing cat ears and nine billion pins on her falling-apart backpack, they charged me. Now when I wear a nice blouse, travel with one shiny new suitcase and a quiet, male travel companion who usually dresses in slacks and a dress shirt, I've yet to be charged an advance deposit, no matter what hotel chain in what city we're staying in. I guess we just don't look like "risks".

lol I'm not sure whether to be offended by that statement or not, because I've always checked in by myself or with one other person and I am not the type to give off the wrong sort of impression...yet I've always been charged deposits.

Odd...
Title: Re: Hotel Deposits
Post by: Moonblossom on February 03, 2009, 01:55:38 PM
I didn't mean to imply anything by it, I'm just sharing my own personal experiences. I didn't want it to come across like "all people who get charged deposits look shady" or anything.

Also, age might be a factor? I'm nearly 30, and I probably look more like a business traveler than anything.
Title: Re: Hotel Deposits
Post by: FanFicGuru on February 05, 2009, 03:45:31 PM
Quote from: Moonblossom on February 03, 2009, 01:55:38 PM
I didn't mean to imply anything by it, I'm just sharing my own personal experiences. I didn't want it to come across like "all people who get charged deposits look shady" or anything.

Also, age might be a factor? I'm nearly 30, and I probably look more like a business traveler than anything.

Yeah I understand. I'm nearly 25 myself...maybe I should wear my suit when I check in this year. lol
Title: Re: Hotel Deposits
Post by: Moonblossom on February 06, 2009, 07:56:09 AM
XD. Do you drive or fly? I always dress "nice" since I fly alone and they're much more likely to bump someone to business class if they're alone and dressed nicely. It's worked a few times already <.<

Also, I'm not sure what it says about me that my posts keep getting split off into their own threads. It's like I go on these semi-useful but semi-unrelated diatribes far too often...
Title: Re: Hotel Deposits
Post by: elfgirlkaname on February 19, 2009, 11:14:20 PM
yeah actually the last two years I didn't get charged the deposit but my first year at fanime I did...

I don't really know what makes you have to pay the deposit...
I did come on friday my first year, but ever since then I've been comming on thursday :-\ i don't know but I hope they don't charge me a deposit this year *crosses fingers*
Title: Re: Re: Hotel Deposits
Post by: M on March 02, 2009, 04:30:01 AM
If you check in using a CC, one of two things may be happening...
1) The 'deposit' is put on and removed before you have a chance to notice.
2) Your CC doesn't show it as it's a temporary hold.

I've noticed this with my previous CC, but BoA shows it on everything. Also, in my experiences of traveling with various types of people, I have always seen a deposit put on my account. It didn't matter what I was wearing... I don't think a hotel chain would consider not putting a temp. hold just because you look a certain way...
Title: Re: Hotel Deposits
Post by: Moonblossom on March 02, 2009, 01:00:38 PM
I get very detailed card statements that have shown temporary holds in the past, like during the aforementioned travel to AX. I assure you, I have not ever been charged a hotel deposit at Fanime, nor recently when I went to Colorado. I don't know the reasoning, my appearance was just a speculation on my part that seems to correlate with my experiences, but the fact that I've never been charged a deposit at the San Jose Hilton was just that - fact.

Maybe I'm just lucky, who knows. I certainly don't mean to suggest people should wear suits and ties and not budget in their security deposit, that's silly. I am just relating my personal experiences.
Title: Re: Hotel Deposits
Post by: FanFicGuru on March 02, 2009, 04:36:47 PM
Quote from: Moonblossom on March 02, 2009, 01:00:38 PM
I get very detailed card statements that have shown temporary holds in the past, like during the aforementioned travel to AX. I assure you, I have not ever been charged a hotel deposit at Fanime, nor recently when I went to Colorado. I don't know the reasoning, my appearance was just a speculation on my part that seems to correlate with my experiences, but the fact that I've never been charged a deposit at the San Jose Hilton was just that - fact.

Maybe I'm just lucky, who knows. I certainly don't mean to suggest people should wear suits and ties and not budget in their security deposit, that's silly. I am just relating my personal experiences.

Highly suspect...surely you must have mob ties or something...

yessss... >_>
Title: Re: Hotel Deposits
Post by: puyo_pop on March 17, 2009, 09:53:32 PM
When are these hotel deposits taken?  Is it when you check-in or before that?  I gave my debit card number when I made reservations and I want to make sure there's enough money in there in case they do take a deposit.
Title: Re: Re: Hotel Deposits
Post by: M on March 18, 2009, 01:36:57 PM
Quote from: puyo_pop on March 17, 2009, 09:53:32 PM
When are these hotel deposits taken?  Is it when you check-in or before that?  I gave my debit card number when I made reservations and I want to make sure there's enough money in there in case they do take a deposit.
The deposit hold that we're referring to is put on there when you first check in.

Some hotels will place a hold for one night when you put in your reservation though. It's best just to ask them about this.

If the hold is on a debit card, it won't cause your account to go overdraft unless it turns into an actual 'charge'. BTW, your account won't go into the negative due to a credit, but if your balance is at zero due to a hold, spending money might cause you to overdraft.
Title: Re: Hotel Deposits
Post by: starchildrose on March 18, 2009, 11:15:07 PM
this year, my mom let me use her credit card to book my hotel room. i wonder if i will physically need her credit card when they charge the deposit?
Title: Re: Hotel Deposits
Post by: Jerry on March 19, 2009, 08:51:48 AM
Quote from: starchildrose on March 18, 2009, 11:15:07 PM
this year, my mom let me use her credit card to book my hotel room. i wonder if i will physically need her credit card when they charge the deposit?

in most cases, the short answer might be YES. usually the hotel will confirm that the card holder is present and swipe the card to verify that the transaction is legit.

if the hotel has been paid in advance [which most cases usually are nowadays] the "deposit" will be a pending transaction and technically not charge to the card.

only AFTER the fact of checking out, where and inspection of the room will occur and then any damages, missing towels, missing bathrobes, and any or all of the food/drinks taken from the room [depending on which hotel ur at] will be automatically charged to the card.

of course each hotel or location may vary with their rules and regulations in regards to charges and fees.
Title: Re: Hotel Deposits
Post by: starchildrose on March 19, 2009, 09:34:04 AM
so even if the hotel room has been paid for and booked for in advance, they will still need to swipe the card again???
Title: Re: Hotel Deposits
Post by: ewu on March 19, 2009, 09:47:30 AM
Even if paid for and booked, the transaction is not complete until AFTER you check out. It depends on the hotel but they may need to reswipe your card. Best would be to contact CMR in the CMR thread (http://forums.fanime.com/index.php/topic,11490.0.html) or the contact info from the hotel booking page:

CONTACT OUR CUSTOMER CARE CENTER:
Monday - Friday, 6am - 6pm (Pacific Time)
(800) 924-4232 (US & Canada)
(415) 979-2282 (International)
Title: Re: Re: Hotel Deposits
Post by: puyo_pop on March 20, 2009, 09:45:46 PM
Quote from: MPLe on March 18, 2009, 01:36:57 PM
Quote from: puyo_pop on March 17, 2009, 09:53:32 PM
When are these hotel deposits taken?  Is it when you check-in or before that?  I gave my debit card number when I made reservations and I want to make sure there's enough money in there in case they do take a deposit.
The deposit hold that we're referring to is put on there when you first check in.

Some hotels will place a hold for one night when you put in your reservation though. It's best just to ask them about this.

If the hold is on a debit card, it won't cause your account to go overdraft unless it turns into an actual 'charge'. BTW, your account won't go into the negative due to a credit, but if your balance is at zero due to a hold, spending money might cause you to overdraft.

oh ok. thanks for clearing that up.
Title: Re: Re: Hotel Deposits
Post by: caskaslyrk on March 27, 2009, 03:31:12 PM
Quote from: MPLe on March 18, 2009, 01:36:57 PM
Quote from: puyo_pop on March 17, 2009, 09:53:32 PM
When are these hotel deposits taken?  Is it when you check-in or before that?  I gave my debit card number when I made reservations and I want to make sure there's enough money in there in case they do take a deposit.
The deposit hold that we're referring to is put on there when you first check in.

Some hotels will place a hold for one night when you put in your reservation though. It's best just to ask them about this.

If the hold is on a debit card, it won't cause your account to go overdraft unless it turns into an actual 'charge'. BTW, your account won't go into the negative due to a credit, but if your balance is at zero due to a hold, spending money might cause you to overdraft.
Actually a few years ago when I checked into the hilton I has US bank and they charged me a $150 deposit which "somehow" posted to my account right away and I was charge 3 overdraft charges.  They charged the room on one charge and then the deposit on a 2nd charge.  They didn't even say sorry  :'(
Title: I need some hotel help
Post by: otaku_duckie on March 28, 2009, 10:48:59 PM
Hi I'm Duckie, This is my first time reserving a hotel room on my own and I kinda need some help.

I'm staying at the fairmont and I was wondering about the deposit policy, what exactly does it mean by credit card guarantee? Is it better/easier to do check deposit?



Title: Re: Re: Hotel Deposits
Post by: M on March 30, 2009, 09:02:34 AM
Quote from: caskaslyrk on March 27, 2009, 03:31:12 PMActually a few years ago when I checked into the hilton I has US bank and they charged me a $150 deposit which "somehow" posted to my account right away and I was charge 3 overdraft charges.  They charged the room on one charge and then the deposit on a 2nd charge.  They didn't even say sorry  :'(
I'm not sure of the US Bank policies, but you might have been able to contact them, explain the situation, and get it fixed on their end. This most likely requires some sort of paperback, but I believe you can do a "chargeback" (although I believe that it is a different term for Check/Debit Cards).

Quote from: otaku_duckie on March 28, 2009, 10:48:59 PM
Hi I'm Duckie, This is my first time reserving a hotel room on my own and I kinda need some help.
I'm staying at the fairmont and I was wondering about the deposit policy, what exactly does it mean by credit card guarantee? Is it better/easier to do check deposit?
I'm not sure what the context is, but I believe that they are referring to how you must have a Credit Card (or check, possibly?) on your room file for accidentals (i.e. read this thread :P).
Title: Re: Hotel Deposits
Post by: WaffoCellist on April 15, 2009, 03:30:57 PM
I did my homework...staying at the Marriott this year.

The Marriott charges a $100/per day deposit fee.  So if you spend 3 nights at the Marriott, expect to make a deposit of $300 on top of your daily rate charge.  If you use cash or debit, they will automatically charge you for the deposit fee and expect payment up front (yes, this will show up right away on your debit card).  Best bet is to charge on a credit card - the deposit just ends up as a hold on your account and clears after you check out - pending of course there are no damages to the room since you checked in.

There is also a $2/day convention charge for the hotel, 10% city tax and a low.0007% tourist tax on top of your nightly charge.

Hope this helps those checking into the Marriott. Lay those ground rules to your roomies so they don't go rock star in your hotel room and you get left with the hefty fees.

Also, you can't request roll-away beds in a double/double (fire hazard)...only in King bedded rooms only.

If you are staying at other hotels...don't be afraid to call and ask them for info.  They are really nice....score 1 for Marriott for taking their time to answer my questions.
Title: Re: Hotel Deposits
Post by: chanocular on April 17, 2009, 10:00:15 AM
Quote from: WaffoCellist on April 15, 2009, 03:30:57 PM
I did my homework...staying at the Marriott this year.

The Marriott charges a $100/per day deposit fee.  So if you spend 3 nights at the Marriott, expect to make a deposit of $300 on top of your daily rate charge.  If you use cash or debit, they will automatically charge you for the deposit fee and expect payment up front (yes, this will show up right away on your debit card).  Best bet is to charge on a credit card - the deposit just ends up as a hold on your account and clears after you check out - pending of course there are no damages to the room since you checked in.

There is also a $2/day convention charge for the hotel, 10% city tax and a low.0007% tourist tax on top of your nightly charge.

Hope this helps those checking into the Marriott. Lay those ground rules to your roomies so they don't go rock star in your hotel room and you get left with the hefty fees.

Also, you can't request roll-away beds in a double/double (fire hazard)...only in King bedded rooms only.

If you are staying at other hotels...don't be afraid to call and ask them for info.  They are really nice....score 1 for Marriott for taking their time to answer my questions.

I too will be staying at the Marriott Hotel this year. You saved me time, I was about to call regarding the whole deposit thing. >.<

Anyway, last year was kind of hectic because I was not expecting them to charge me the deposit fee. So I had like $20 to spend during my time at fanime, but luckily I was able to borrow money from my friends and then pay them back after checking out of the hotel. Supposedly the money they hold will get applied to the cost of your stay after you leave, at least from my experience last year. Funny thing though, I don't remember them doing this in 2006.  ???
Title: Re: Hotel Deposits
Post by: BrightHeart76 on April 17, 2009, 10:10:36 AM
It's been my experience at the Hilton that you can use the deposit for things like eating at the restaurant.  My sister actually plans that into her budget.  Instead of missing money, it's just allocated as part of her food budget.
Title: Re: Hotel Deposits
Post by: elley on April 23, 2009, 09:46:24 AM
Well...having stayed at the Marriot last year, I'm not sure if they charged me the deposit. If they did, it cleared after I paid at check-out.

Now, is this $2/ day convention charge and tourist tax a new thing? It's not automatically included into my hotel cost from what I can see in the Fanime hotel confirmation e-mail. However, last year I was not charged these two items at check out either, it was just the total 3 night cost plus 10% city tax.
Title: Re: Hotel Deposits
Post by: Kyra_Maverick on April 23, 2009, 08:57:41 PM
Quote from: elley on April 23, 2009, 09:46:24 AM
Well...having stayed at the Marriot last year, I'm not sure if they charged me the deposit. If they did, it cleared after I paid at check-out.

Now, is this $2/ day convention charge and tourist tax a new thing? It's not automatically included into my hotel cost from what I can see in the Fanime hotel confirmation e-mail. However, last year I was not charged these two items at check out either, it was just the total 3 night cost plus 10% city tax.
I'm staying at the Hilton this year and in my confirmation all these extra charges are itemized. I cant remember if its a new thing or not, I dont have the email from last year anymore to double check.
Title: Re: Hotel Deposits
Post by: WaffoCellist on April 23, 2009, 09:03:14 PM
Quote from: elley on April 23, 2009, 09:46:24 AM
Well...having stayed at the Marriot last year, I'm not sure if they charged me the deposit. If they did, it cleared after I paid at check-out.

Now, is this $2/ day convention charge and tourist tax a new thing? It's not automatically included into my hotel cost from what I can see in the Fanime hotel confirmation e-mail. However, last year I was not charged these two items at check out either, it was just the total 3 night cost plus 10% city tax.

The tourist tax has always been there when you travel to big cities...but it is such a minute cost that you don't really notice (on my confirmation it states that Tourist tax is $0.10 per room/per night). 

As for the $2 convention charge...the SJCC has the adjoining hotels to the SJCC charge a use for a "Hotel Business District Assessment" fee.  I'm sure you can read into that. 

And don't forget the hotel tax...10.07%
Title: Re: Hotel Deposits
Post by: macaulayman on April 24, 2009, 12:22:49 AM
The Horel impression of you may come from different sources, AKA " everyone at the con is wierd". I used to be a dealer and had a suite reserved and confirmed for me but when they found out I was with the con they "lost " all my info. I pressured them ( I had all my info with me, who I spoke to  , etc.) and eventually they found a suite with a 1400 dollar deposit AND I had to sign a contract specifing what could happen in the room and things that would terminate my stay ( this included trying to dive into the pool from my 12th floor hotel balcony). And when I left they didn't have my deposit ready for me, it had to be mailed at a later date.
Title: Re: Hotel Deposits
Post by: caskaslyrk on April 28, 2009, 01:47:38 PM
The fairmont is going to charge $100 per night deposit so beware..LOL >:(
Title: Re: Hotel Deposits
Post by: starchildrose on May 01, 2009, 05:40:41 PM
so at the fairmont, we can pay the deposit in cash???
Title: Re: Hotel Deposits
Post by: YoureMyHiro on May 06, 2009, 02:03:51 PM
Quote from: WaffoCellist on April 15, 2009, 03:30:57 PM
I did my homework...staying at the Marriott this year.

The Marriott charges a $100/per day deposit fee.  So if you spend 3 nights at the Marriott, expect to make a deposit of $300 on top of your daily rate charge.  If you use cash or debit, they will automatically charge you for the deposit fee and expect payment up front (yes, this will show up right away on your debit card).  Best bet is to charge on a credit card - the deposit just ends up as a hold on your account and clears after you check out - pending of course there are no damages to the room since you checked in.

I'll have to call them direct because last time I checked with them they told me there was a $50/Night incidental deposit, meaning 3 nights would be a deposit of $150 and it's been that way for the last 4 years that I stayed at the Marriott however if they have recently adjusted their policy by twice the amount, I would need reevaluate the room the split I have going. Still, I appreciate this heads up.
Title: Re: Hotel Deposits
Post by: chanocular on May 07, 2009, 12:58:41 PM
Quote from: YoureMyHiro on May 06, 2009, 02:03:51 PM
Quote from: WaffoCellist on April 15, 2009, 03:30:57 PM
I did my homework...staying at the Marriott this year.

The Marriott charges a $100/per day deposit fee.  So if you spend 3 nights at the Marriott, expect to make a deposit of $300 on top of your daily rate charge.  If you use cash or debit, they will automatically charge you for the deposit fee and expect payment up front (yes, this will show up right away on your debit card).  Best bet is to charge on a credit card - the deposit just ends up as a hold on your account and clears after you check out - pending of course there are no damages to the room since you checked in.

I'll have to call them direct because last time I checked with them they told me there was a $50/Night incidental deposit, meaning 3 nights would be a deposit of $150 and it's been that way for the last 4 years that I stayed at the Marriott however if they have recently adjusted their policy by twice the amount, I would need reevaluate the room the split I have going. Still, I appreciate this heads up.

According to the Marriott staff, its $100 per night if you pay cash. Its $50 dollars a night if you use a debit card.
Title: Re: Hotel Deposits
Post by: WaffoCellist on May 07, 2009, 09:41:11 PM
Quote from: chanocular on May 07, 2009, 12:58:41 PM
Quote from: YoureMyHiro on May 06, 2009, 02:03:51 PM
Quote from: WaffoCellist on April 15, 2009, 03:30:57 PM
I did my homework...staying at the Marriott this year.

The Marriott charges a $100/per day deposit fee.  So if you spend 3 nights at the Marriott, expect to make a deposit of $300 on top of your daily rate charge.  If you use cash or debit, they will automatically charge you for the deposit fee and expect payment up front (yes, this will show up right away on your debit card).  Best bet is to charge on a credit card - the deposit just ends up as a hold on your account and clears after you check out - pending of course there are no damages to the room since you checked in.


I'll have to call them direct because last time I checked with them they told me there was a $50/Night incidental deposit, meaning 3 nights would be a deposit of $150 and it's been that way for the last 4 years that I stayed at the Marriott however if they have recently adjusted their policy by twice the amount, I would need reevaluate the room the split I have going. Still, I appreciate this heads up.

According to the Marriott staff, its $100 per night if you pay cash. Its $50 dollars a night if you use a debit card.

Thanks for clarifying this.  Now I don't have to cry :'( as much when they put that deposit on my credit card.