Deposits for hotels

Hi everyone,

My husband and I are heading over next week to Phuket and was just wondering if anyone had left a cash deposit rather than credit card details for the hotel deposit?

We have read a lot of posts saying don%26#39;t hand over credit card details, so we are going to leave a cash deposit instead. Basically we would like to know what a reasonable amount to leave is? We will be in Phuket for 7 nights staying at the Patong Merlin. Has anyone left a deposit at this same resort and have any advice? Or any other hotel as well?

Also has anyone had any problems, getting a cash deposit back at the end (presuming you don%26#39;t put anything on your hotel tab which i understand will be deducted from this amount etc)?

Thanks for your advice.

Barbara and Peter

Deposits for hotels

I can%26#39;t see why there is a problem paying with a credit card, especially as better places like the Merlin. I%26#39;ve never had a problem and use my cc extensively both in Thailand and other countries.

If you do pay a cash deposit, I would think they would not repay it, but rather deduct the deposit paid from the overall bill.

Deposits for hotels

Hi Dragonc

Thanks for your reply. We have paid for our accomodation in full already, the deposit i was referring to was when you check in don%26#39;t they ask that you leave an imprint of your credit card or a cash deposit Like as a safety that you don%26#39;t wreck the room or rack up charges and leave without paying them?

Barb and Peter

Hi Guys,

I stayed at the Patong Merlin in 2007. I paid for my accom through flightcentre before leaving. On check in, I told the Merlin that I did not want to pay a security deposit with a credit card. They had no problem with that and said that I could pay for my minibar etc in cash on check out.

I has also contacted them before I left home and they said the same in their email.

2008 I stayed at the Diamond cliff resort and had they had the same policy if you did not want to hard over your CC.

The Pathumwan Princess in BKK wanted a few thousand baht cash security deposit. Not problem on check out.

The Hard Rock Pattaya wanted a cash deposit as well. No problem on check out.

Note: I always prepay my accom at Flightcentre and never hand my CC to anyone in Thailand. There is no need to. I use it at an ATM if the cash and travellers cheque run out.

Have a great holiday.

Niko

Hi Niko,

Thanks for your reply, that is very useful information to know. We plan on only using our CC in ATM%26#39;s for withdrawing cash. It is good to know some Hotel%26#39;s don%26#39;t have an issue if you don%26#39;t wish to hand over your CC details as a deposit.

Thanks again for your reply, it%26#39;s much appreciated.

Barb and Peter

I have stayed at Patong Merlin 3 times, the last visit being Oct 06. We have never been asked to give credit card details or a cash deposit, which I thought was great.

Hi Barbara %26amp; Peter

When we stayed at both Horizon Beach Resort and Andaman Beach Suites, we left a cash deposit of about 1000Baht at either hotel. We just said we didn%26#39;t have a CC. No problem what so ever. On check out we got a full refund as we didn%26#39;t use the mini bar. I am sure it will be fine for you too. Have a great holiday. Jane

1- They may not even ask you, but if they do, just use the credit card. It%26#39;s 2009, people, get with the program.

You will have no chance getting %26#39;cash%26#39; back if there is a dispute, the Hotel will say they are right and you are wrong. At least you can get your card provider to fight for you if you pay with their card. The hotel HAS to deal with the card company, they can just ignore you. And yes, I have left an imprint at the PM, no problems.

2- Make sure when withdrawing from ATM%26#39;s with your credit card that you choose the ';SAVINGS'; option (not always easy), otherwise you are up for big fees and interest charged on the total amount owing (not just what you withdrew) from day one of the billing period. I%26#39;m presuming your credit card is also your access card. If you have a separate access card, just for savings, use that instead.

3- Before you go, be sure to tell your bank that you will be using the card in Phuket, otherwise your transactions may be declined until they can contact you.

I would never risk using a card OS as there have been so many scams on cards. Just do a search on this forum.

tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g293920-i5037-k219鈥?/a>

Cheers, Pete.

pimple