In our increasingly digital world, whipping out a credit or debit card is second nature. But what if you want to pay cash for your hotel stay? It’s definitely still possible, but there are a few things to keep in mind.
This guide dives into the world of cash payments at hotels, answering the question, “Can you pay a hotel in cash?” We’ll explore which hotels are most likely to accept cash, why hotels often prefer credit cards, and some helpful tips for booking a room if you’re planning to pay with bills.
We’ll also break down the details of security deposits, incidental charges, and those pesky authorization holds, giving you a complete picture of what to expect when paying for your room with cash.
Can you pay for a hotel in cash? Understanding hotel policies
These days, credit cards are king, but it’s not impossible to pay for a hotel stay with cash.
While many hotels prefer credit cards, some will accept cash. Some hotels that accept cash will also require a credit card for incidentals. However, that’s not always the case. Policies vary by hotel chain and sometimes even by location.
Typically, hotels want some way to guarantee they’ll be paid for the room, along with any incidentals you might charge to the room. Credit cards are a convenient way to secure those funds, but cash may be acceptable, too, depending on the hotel’s policies.
One reason hotels want a credit card on file is the risk of damages or theft. That’s why they sometimes require security deposits.
Why hotels prefer credit cards
Hotels usually prefer credit cards for security and convenience. Here’s why:
- Guaranteeing Payment: Credit cards guarantee that the hotel gets paid for your stay. If you skip out on the bill, the hotel can still get its money from the credit card company.
- Covering Incidentals and Damages: Hotels can easily charge your card for things like room service, mini-bar purchases, or if you damage the room. This saves everyone time and trouble.
- Streamlining Check-In/Check-Out: Credit card transactions are faster than dealing with cash. This means less waiting for you and less work for the staff.
- Fraud Prevention: Credit card companies have systems in place to prevent fraud. This protects the hotel from getting scammed.
While some hotels will accept cash, they often prefer credit cards because they are more secure and convenient.
Hotels That Accept Cash: A Chain-by-Chain Overview
While many hotels prefer credit or debit cards, it’s still possible to pay with cash. However, policies can vary widely, even within the same chain. Here’s a look at the cash payment policies of some popular hotel brands:
National Chains with Varying Policies
- Best Western: Policies differ from place to place, so it’s best to call the location where you’re hoping to stay. Ask whether they accept cash payments.
- Choice Hotels (e.g., Comfort Inn, Quality Inn): Individual franchises can set their own rules, so you’ll want to contact the specific location to ask about their cash payment policies.
- Drury Hotels: Call the location directly to learn more about their policies.
- Hilton Hotels & Resorts: Policies vary. Some locations may accept cash if you also provide a credit card to cover incidentals.
- Hyatt Hotels: As with the other large chains, policies differ by location. Some Hyatt Centric locations may require a credit card deposit, even if you’re paying with cash.
- IHG Hotels & Resorts (e.g., Holiday Inn): Some locations accept cash if you pay a security deposit. Be sure to call ahead to learn more.
- Marriott: Some Fairfield by Marriott locations may accept cash if you also provide a credit card to cover incidentals. Policies vary.
- Radisson Hotels: Cash may be accepted if you also provide a credit card for a deposit. Call ahead to make sure the policy hasn’t changed.
Budget-Friendly Options
- Extended Stay America: Cash is often accepted, but you’ll probably have to pay a cash deposit (perhaps $100 per room). Extended Stay America has more than 760 locations.
- Motel 6: Cash is generally accepted at many of the chain’s 1,300+ locations.
- Red Roof Inn: Some locations accept cash if you pay a security deposit, such as $50.
- Super 8: Policies vary, but some locations accept cash if you also pay a security deposit.
Other Chains to Consider
- Microtel Inns & Suites: Call the location directly to find out about their cash payment policy.
- Omni Hotels & Resorts: Cash may be accepted if you also provide a credit card to cover incidentals. You may also be required to pay any applicable pet fees.
- Park Plaza Hotels & Resorts: Contact the hotel directly to learn about their policies.
Navigating Cash Payment: Deposits, IDs, and Other Requirements
If you’re planning to pay for your hotel with cash, there are a few things you should know ahead of time.
Security Deposits and Incidentals
Most hotels that accept cash will require a security deposit to cover any potential damages to the room or incidental charges you might rack up during your stay. These could be things like movies, minibar snacks, or maybe even a replacement remote if you accidentally break the original.
The deposit amount can really vary, from $50 to $200 or even more, depending on the hotel’s policies and how long you’re planning to stay. Since cash payments can be seen as a higher risk, you should expect to pay a bigger deposit than you would if you were using a credit card.
Identification Requirements
You’ll almost certainly need to show a valid photo ID when you pay with cash. This is to verify who you are and help prevent fraud. Make sure your ID is up-to-date and that the name on it matches the name on your reservation, if you made one.
Understanding Authorization Holds (Even with Cash!)
Even if you’re planning to pay with cash when you check out, the hotel might still ask for a credit or debit card to put an authorization hold on it. This is basically a temporary hold on some of your available credit or debit card balance. The money isn’t actually charged to your card unless you end up owing more than your cash deposit covers.
Keep in mind that it can take several days or even weeks for that authorization hold to be released after you check out, so that portion of your credit line will be unavailable until then.
Tips for Successfully Booking a Hotel with Cash
Paying with cash at a hotel is getting trickier, but not impossible. Here are some tips to increase your chances of a smooth, cash-based check-in:
- Stick to Budget-Friendly Options: Smaller, independently owned hotels and motels (think 1- to 3-star ratings) are often more flexible with payment methods than large chains. They’re simply more likely to accept cash.
- Call Ahead: Don’t rely on online information alone. Call the hotel directly and ask about their cash payment policy. This gives you a chance to confirm their rules and ask about any deposit requirements.
- Be Honest and Upfront: When you book, clearly state that you intend to pay with cash. Ask if they have any specific requirements, like a larger deposit or a copy of your ID. Transparency is key.
- Consider Online Travel Agencies (OTAs): Sites like Expedia or Booking.com might offer alternative payment options. However, always double-check the hotel’s cash payment policy directly with the hotel before you finalize your reservation. The OTA’s policy doesn’t override the hotel’s.
- Be Aware of Authorization Holds: Even if you pay cash, the hotel might still ask for a credit card for an “authorization hold” to cover incidentals. If they do this, understand that it can take weeks (2-4 weeks is common) for those funds to be released back to your card after you check out.
Wrapping Up
Yes, it’s still possible to pay for a hotel room with cash, but it takes some planning and research. Not all hotels accept cash payments, and those that do may have specific policies you need to know before you book.
To ensure a smooth stay, find out the hotel’s policy on cash payments before you arrive. Be prepared to pay a security deposit in cash or with a prepaid card. And communicate clearly with the hotel staff about your payment method.
With a bit of preparation, you can successfully navigate the world of cash payments and enjoy your hotel stay without needing to rely on a credit card. A phone call to the hotel before you book can give you the information you need to make sure the hotel will accept cash at check-in.