I booked 5 nights via the secure hotel web site for one of the recommended hotels in the Portugal 2006 guide. While I received the on-line confirmation, I never received the promised e-mail confirmation. I just checked my credit card on-line to find out the hotel put a charge through for all 5 nights for a total of over $1,300!!! My reservation is not until October. Is this normal, or is something fishy going on?
Posted by
Nottingham, UK
658 posts
This used to be a common practice when we Europeans booked in advance with US hotels. The logic is that the hotel is gambling on the EUR/USD exchange rate. They are predicting that the USD will not get any weaker and may well gain value over the EUR. So they are taking all the payment now to maximise their profit in case the USD strengthens against the EUR. I would contact them, ask for a refund and tell them you will pay when you check-out of the hotel. If they demand a deposit then the maximum they can legally take from your card details is the rate for one night only.
Posted by
Knoxville, TN, USA
7209 posts
You should have read if there were up-front charges, deposits, etc.
Posted by
OP
Orinda, CA, USA
2 posts
Thanks, Tim. I did. No mention of upfront charges, just cancel in advance.
Posted by
Knoxville, TN, USA
7209 posts
Then call your credit card company and dispute the charge...American Express has always gone to bat for me over unauthorized charges.
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17418 posts
Did they actually charge your card, or maybe just put a "hold" on the amount?