Holiday Inn wants my credit card for a hotel block.

My block required my credit card as a guarantee. If I don't book 80% of the rooms they will charge me. I think this is pretty standard for most hotels.

Are they requiring you put down a deposit? If not, it seems strange to me that they'd want your credit card info...we booked through the Hampton Inn and paid our deposit to hold our block via check. We did book a room with them for our wedding night, which required a credit card, but this seems different…

My block also required my credit card . They are holding us responsible for any damage or cancellations

My block is through Mariott and we had to give our credit card

I feel lucky mine was a courtesy block.

My hotel block did not require it. My FH works for holiday inn express and he said it's more than likely up to each hotel whether or not they ask for credit cards.

Don't do it! You want a courtesy block. You do not want to be held responsible for unbooked rooms. Nope!

A courtesy block was really important to me. We didn't give a card and guests had up to one month before check-in to book before the rooms were released and there were no penalties to us.

We have 2 room blocks (both our families are large and most live OOT). The Westin did a courtesy block for us. The Wyndam required a credit card to hold. Neither hold us responsible for unbooked rooms though. Definitely make sure you won't be charged for unbooked rooms.

Courtesy block is what we are doing too. I'm not paying for unused rooms. I talked to a Marriott, and 2 different Hiltons and all of them offered courtesy block

I had my wedding at a hotel so there was no question as to needing a credit card or not. That being said I worked for a hotel for 8 years and we never required a credit card to hold a block of rooms. I would look to see if you can find a hotel that doesn't ask for a credit card or ask the hotel why you are being required to give your credit card and if you can re-negotiate a contract where you don't need to give a credit card.

I did a block at holiday inn and they didn't ask for a credit card.

Thank you everyone! I thought it was weird. If I can't get a courtesy block that does not require my card, I will look elsewhere.

I did and needed to give a CC. It was in case my guests damaged common areas I believe. I was only charged for my room.

The three hotels I blocked rooms at said they will hold them until 30 days before the wedding date and I am not responsible for them getting filled.

But wouldn't the guests who damaged the hotel be charged? Why would I be charged? I'm not holding the event there. It makes no sense.

Should be a courtesy block!

@bea that's what I'm wondering - why would you get charged for damage? Odd. Is your wedding in the hotel? It still doesn't explain why you would be responsible for damage guests cost in their own room unless you're paying for the rooms.

I did my block at the crowne plaza and they did not require a credit card

I emailed the sales manager back asking her these questions, and if I can get a courtesy block without putting down a credit card. I think she has gone home for the day, but hopefully I will hear from her tomorrow.