Can You Pay for a Hotel in Cash?

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Get Answers to Frequently Asked Questions About Paying for a Hotel in Cash!

Are you and your travel mates preparing for domestic, international, or business travel and wondering if you can pay for your hotel stay in cash?

The short answer to whether you can pay for a hotel in cash is Yes.

However, there are a few stipulations.

If you’re planning on traveling within your country or abroad and paying for your hotel stay with cash — this is the guide for you!

Learn more about how to pay for a hotel in cash in the guide below.

Why Some People Pay for Their Hotels in Cash

Some people pay for their hotels in cash to avoid racking up exorbitant credit card fees, while others don’t have credit cards or prefer to maintain their anonymity.

Following is an overview of a few more reasons why some travelers choose to pay for their accommodations with cash.

Reason #1. – Pay for Your Hotel in Cash to Avoid Credit Card Fees

Credit card fraud and credit card theft appear to be on the rise worldwide.

As such, many people are fighting back and protecting their finances by paying for their hotel stays in cash.

Cash payments help travelers avoid the hassle of paying booking fees, foreign transaction fees, and other credit card-related fees that can skyrocket the cost of your stay.

Reason #2. – Protect Your Privacy by Paying for Your Hotel in Cash

People who wish to maintain as much privacy and anonymity as possible when traveling opt to pay for their hotel accommodations in cash to prevent their personal information and credit card details from being stored by the hotel.

Many businesses have experienced data breaches and instances of hacking that expose personal identifying information like addresses, phone numbers, social media accounts, and financial details associated with stored payments.

Reason #3. – Avoid Credit Card and Identity Theft by Paying in Cash for Your Hotel Stay

Domestic and foreign hotels have become a breeding ground for identity thieves seeking to steal personal consumer information or credit card data.

Smart travelers are reducing their risks of becoming victims of identity theft, where nefarious criminals open up revolving credit card accounts and bank accounts.

Bolder thieves and career criminals may make even larger purchases, like buying houses and cars with stolen information gleaned from hotel registers and records.

Reason #4. – Get Better Deals and Discounts on Hotels with Full Cash Payments

Paying for your hotel stay in cash helps some travelers get a better deal when they negotiate a cash discount.

Some hotels offer discounts for reservations paid in full with cash since paying in cash eliminates credit card transaction fees, which would typically be included in the cost of your stay.

While some larger hotel brands will extend cash payment options to guests, smaller and independent hotels are more likely to offer rate reductions and accept cash payments.

Now that you know a few reasons why some people pay for their hotels in cash, let’s look at how to make a reservation.

How to Pay for a Hotel in Cash in 3 Easy Steps

Step #1. – Contact The Hotel to Confirm They Will Accept a Cash Payment

It is important to note that not all hotels will accept cash payments for an advance booking.

In fact, many hotels are strictly against accepting cash payments and strictly accept credit cards and other forms of electronic payments to cover the cost of hotel accommodations.

As such, you must contact the hotel to ensure that they will accept your cash payment for a deposit and cover the cost of your stay upon arrival.

Step #2. – Bring More Than Enough Cash to Cover the Cost of Your Hotel Stay

The costs of staying in a hotel can quickly add up when you consider the following related expenses.

Dining Costs:

Saving money on credit card transaction fees by paying in cash can help hotel guests put more money in their pockets, which can go towards the cost of paying for food when traveling away from home.

Incidentals:

Resort fees, parking fees, in-room mini bar fees, and room service are incidentals that can be added to the cost of your stay.

Bring extra cash to cover the costs of unexpected incidentals.

Be sure to factor in costs for dining costs, taxis, rideshare services, and local entertainment when paying for your suite in cash.

Keep Track of Your Spending to Avoid Being Surprised by Any Unexpected Expenses at Checkout

There is nothing worse than standing in a checkout line, reaching the register, ringing up your items, and then realizing you don’t have enough money to pay for your order.

The same is true of paying for your hotel stay with cash.

Pay for your hotel stay in full and avoid creating any additional charges to prevent surprises at checkout.

Keep track of your spending and the additional costs for dining, entertainment, and incidentals that can be added to the cost of your stay to avoid an expensive surprise at checkout.