Q&A for How to Book a Hotel Room

Typically, it's the nights that are counted for hotel booking purposes. Just indicate how many nights you need.

If you are on site, you can pay for most hotel rooms with cash, but you may be required to leave a security deposit if you do so.

Itinerary ticket, printed receipt, two valid IDs, and the account number (member's only).

Talk to the front desk if you want to make a special request. If they don't help you, contact the manager for personalized assistance.

You can, but you will most likely be charged for all four nights anyway. Each hotel has a different refund and cancellation policy, so be sure to read it thoroughly before booking so you know what to expect.

They make advanced reservations for hotels so they will definitely get a room. If you don't call ahead, there may not be space for you and you'll have nowhere to stay.

No, you would better to choose a hotel that does not need to be prepaid.

Not usually. Most of the time you will get a receipt or booking number by email, and you present that (along with your ID and credit card) to the front desk when you arrive. The person at the front desk will give you the room number and your key.

Yes. By booking the room, you and the hotel have essentially entered into a contract where the hotel has promised to have the specified number and kind of rooms ready for you on your specified date(s), and in return, you have promised to pay the hotel for this service.

Most hotels require that you be 18 or older to book a hotel room.

You will need to bring a picture ID (driver's license, State ID, passport, etc.) and the credit card you used to reserve the room.

Different hotels follow different age policies, so you would need to check with the particular hotel where you'll be staying. Generally, any child below 5 can be accommodated without an extra charge.

Some hotels will accept a book-now-pay-later option, which means you pay at the hotel on check-in, but you still need to provide your card details at confirmation of the booking.

Think of it like you're booking nights. So book the nights you want in one hotel, then book the following nights in another. Make sure you know the specific check in and out times for each hotel.

Usually yes, but not always. If you do not receive a confirmation number by email, contact the hotel directly by phone to get it.

Yes, this should be possible at most hotels.

Most hotels require guests to be 18+ so they can hold them to a contract if anything happens. You could have your parents or a friend who is 18+ book the room for you.

You will need to give your credit card number upon reservation, which will be kept to cover incidentals and damage to the room, as well the no-show fee in case you never check in. Discuss paying cash for your room when you check in, which should be acceptable; you'll also need to pay for any room charges (if applicable) upon checking out.

No; hotels have a check-out time (usually 11:00 AM); you need to be checked out by this time so as not to be charged for the following night. You can discuss a later check-out time with the staff.

You will receive a single invoice with an outline of the charges. You will pay for all 3 days at once.

They need your credit card details in order to reserve the room. Depending on the hotel, they might also need your credit card ahead of time so they can charge you in the event that you miss your check in (or some other issue).

Many hotels have a policy in which you have to be 21 years old to check in. Call around and see if you can find a hotel that lets someone under 21 check in.

Just the person who is paying the fees and the deposit needs to show ID. The hotel needs ID to confirm it is the same name on the card to avoid fraud.

Yes, provided you have a debit card that can be used over the phone. Check with your bank first to make sure you can use your debit card over the phone. And also be sure there is enough money on the card.

Show them both at check-in.