Nick
Chicago,#2Consumer Comment
Wed, November 26, 2003
$400.00 Is not out of line, ..I have worked in the hotel business for over 20 years and it is common practice in large cities ( I worked in NYC, Chicago, Key West, Washington DC, Pittsburgh, Nashville among others) to require a cash deposit of one to two nights room charge if the person does not have a credit card. For example if your room was 200.00 a night they may require the charge up front plus $400.00 deposit. Once in Chicago I had a gentleman from China say he wanted to call China. I made him leave a $500.00 cash deposit before I turned the phone on. Once that phone is on you have no control over it.
Jon
Tampa,#3Consumer Suggestion
Mon, November 18, 2002
When you are checking into a hotel... any kind of hotel, an individual is expected to leave a deposit for "incidental" charges only. For phone calls, room service orders, etc. Most hotels will request a minimal deposit, most times on a credit card. Should you not have a credit card, and intend to pay in cash, you should not need to put up more than $20-50 per night. If a hotel is asking for more, something is fishy. Look elsewhere.