Westin's Payment Policies?

Yes, we do not recommend using a debit card for the reason you cited.

I'm not sure about the pre-payment in cash. Given how close the con is, it may be best to give them a call at (412) 281-3700 during business hours.

 
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My LJ - My Website

I've paid cash up front before at con hotels, but not the Westin. At the others, they were more than happy to take the cash at check in. I then guaranteed any additional amount with a credit card. Basically, they deducted each night's stay (and any other expenses) from the pre-paid amount. If the Westin has express check-out (through the TV in the room), you should be able to check the balance left every night.

Using the credit card as backup allows you (assuming express check out) to leave without a lot of hassle. Just drop off the keys and go. Any additional charges will be put on the card. Again, at other hotels, they'll slip a sheet under your door early on the morning of the day you're scheduled to leave listing all the room charges and your final balance.

Again, as I said, I don't know the Westin's policies. This is just how I've seen it work at other places. Since it works reasonably well, I'd be surprised if the Westin didn't do something similar.

I called and spoke with a lady at the Westin earlier today and asked about the hold that is placed on your debit card, and whether or not paying with cash up front would prevent them from placing such a hold. She assured me that that was in fact the case and said that that is what she does when she stays there. However as this was the switchboard operator and not one of the front desk people I wont make any claims as to her authority to make such a claim.

Here is the definitive answer, reported to me from the hotel's front desk manager just a few minutes ago.

When you check in at the front desk, the following charges are calculated:

Room and tax ($125) for ALL of the nights of your stay (so if you are staying for 4 nights, it is $500), PLUS $60 for incidentals (phone, minibar, movies, etc.). That $60 is refunded at the end, minus any charge for incidentals that you used.

When you use a credit card, a TEMPORARY AUTHORIZATION is made on the card for the full amount (in the above example, $560). That means that your credit limit is effectively reduced by $560. This is to ensure that the hotel will be paid when you check out, and that they won't be facing a card that is over its limit, invalid, etc. So if you have a $1500 credit limit on your card, you will only be able to spend $940.

If you use a debit card, you get the same temporary authorization, but now the money that is being set aside is in your bank account. You will not have access to that money until the hotel bill is paid. So if you have $1500 in your bank account, you will find that you only have $940 to spend.

Now, here is the kicker: banks are evil. The hotel has no control over when that authorization will expire. You can pay the bill on time, but the bank that issues your credit card may take several days -- or in some cases, more than a week -- to release the temporary authorization. The $560 that was being held will still be held, while the real hotel charge goes through. So your credit card will think that it has been charged $560 twice for a few days, and during that few days, you'll have less than $400 available to use.

If you pay with cash up front, you still have to pay the full amount plus the $60 deposit, but you get the $60 back (less any fees for incidentals) when you check out.